Bentley Odom Jr. passed away peacefully on December 13, 2020. Bentley graduated from Long Branch High School in 1967 where he was an outstanding basketball player receiving many awards including All County, All State, Shore Conference and the Skelly West Award. He was also named Most Valuable Player of the All-County Team and State Teams. After graduation he received his Bachelor's degree at Sioux Falls College in South Dakota and his Master's degree at Mankato Minnesota State University. After receiving his degrees, he returned to Long Branch and began his teaching career in 1973. While teaching he also coached soccer, track and field but his passion was basketball. He coached with the boys and girls and was the boy's varsity coach and was named Coach of the Year by the Green White Association. He was also inducted in the Long Branch Athletic Hall of Fame. He also was a basketball referee for Shore District Board 194. He was a gentle spirit and a kind soul despite his competitive nature. He enjoyed running and walking and could be seen daily on the Long Branch boardwalk. Needless to say, he was a kind, gentle, caring, generous and easy-going person who will truly be missed.
He was predeceased by his parents Remell Bellinger and Bentley Odom Sr. and brothers Daniel and Andre Bellinger.
Bentley leaves to cherish his memories his wife Michaeline, brothers Donald (Arlys) Newark, DE, Thomas West Long Branch, Gregory (Marie) Freehold, his special family Brendaly, Isaac Annabelle Gomez and the apple of his eye and heart Eliel Gomez. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane
I (We) would walk right up to Heaven and bring you back again
No farewell words were spoken-no time to say "Goodbye"
You were gone before I (We) knew it and only God knows why
My (Our) heart still aches with sadness and secret tears still flow
What it meant to love you-no one can ever know
But now I (We) know you want me (us) to mourn you no more
To remember all the happy times life has much in store
Since you'll never be forgotten, I (We) pledge to you today
A hollow place within my (our) heart is where you'll always stay.
A scholarship will be given to an athletic scholar from the Class of 2021.
Dear Michaeline,
I am so sorry about the loss of your beloved Butch and for all that you have been through. Since I was not able to attend the service, I watched it on line. It was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful educator and a kind gentle man. It was my privilege to work with you both.
My most sincere condolences .
Angela Mangione-Borelli
Bentley family, I am sending my condolences on your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Butch during my childhood and his presence will surely be missed. ??
I miss you, dear friend! Sincere condolences to the family.
Dear Michaeline, I met Butch at one of our consortium meetings and remember how kind he was. It Seems like a long time ago that we used to meet up on the GSP and go to Springfield. I wish you peace and lots of good memories as you suffer through your loss. Mary Casey.
Dear Michaeline and family:
So sorry to hear of Butch’s passing.
He was a great athlete, teacher, coach and an all-around great person to work with.
His brother Daniel was my classmate and we shared a locker for two years.
You have our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Marty and Kerry Boa
Dear Michaeline and family,
My deepest condolence to you. I went to school with Bentley and Donald.
Bentley was a great basket ball player at LB.
Please tell Donald that Joe Balina said hello. And let him know that i became a Pastor. (i am sure that will surprise him)
God bless you.
Rev. Joe Balina 908-227-9482 my cell
My deepest condolences to the family. We loved him as if he were a member of our family.
The Galicia Family