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GREENWICH, Conn. Eric J. Omdahl, 65, of Greenwich, died April 17 after a short illness, surrounded by his family.
A volunteer patrol sergeant in Greenwich, Omdahl was a decorated Army and Navy veteran.
Omdahl was born Oct. 18, 1946, in Greenwich to Marguerite Spofford Omdahl and the late Jacob Omdahl. He attended Port Chester public schools and graduated from Pace University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Omdahl was passionate about his military career and the Greenwich Volunteer Special Police Division.
Although he preferred not to talk about his tours of duty in the Navy and Army, Omdahl was a brave and conscientious soldier. He served in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and Special Forces Qualified Badge. Omdahl's family later learned that he was a part of top-secret patrol missions in countries surrounding Vietnam.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Omdahl joined IBM, where he worked for 25 years before retiring. In 1976, Omdahl was sworn in as a volunteer patrol officer with the Greenwich Special Police Division. In 1980, he was promoted to sergeant and was in charge of a squad of several officers.
Omdahl also retired from the Town of Greenwich in the Parks and Recreation Department after 11 years and was most recently employed by the Belle Haven Land Company, performing security duties.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, the former Andrea Edixon; a daughter, Jodi (Michael) Gentry; a son, Evan Ohdahl; two sisters, Ingrid (Peter) Betts and Karla (Michael) Fredal; two brothers, Peter (Lynnette) Omdahl and Bruce (Christine) Omdahl; four grandchildren, a brotherin-law and several nieces and nephews.
There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Harvest Time Church in Greenwich. Funeral arrangements are by Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home in Stamford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, or to Combined Organization of Police, c/o Chief James Heavey, 11 Bruce Place, Greenwich, CT 06830.
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