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John Hodgson Obituary
Needham - John Emery "Jay" Hodgson passed away peacefully at Wingate Health Care in Needham, MA surrounded by his loving sons. Jay was born in Worcester, MA on March 3, 1938. He graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon School in 1955. He graduated from Williams College in 1959, where he played lacrosse and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He later spent many years actively involved in the College's Alumni Association. After finishing Williams, he spent three years at the University of Michigan Law School, graduating in 1962. He returned to Worcester and became one of the first partners in Fletcher, Tilton, and Whipple Law Firm; he stayed with the firm for over forty years.
Jay was one of four children born to the late John Hodgson and Margaret "Peggy" (Fowler) Hodgson and was the beloved husband of Julia "Julie" Hodgson who preceded him in death, as did his brother, Jerry Hodgson.
Jay will forever be remembered by his sister Polly Woodworth and his brother, Randy Hodgson and his spouse Susan. He leaves behind his beloved sons, Sam Hodgson of Boston, MA and David Hodgson and his spouse Amanda of Saxtons River, VT as well as step-daughter Sunnie Coovert. He is survived by nine treasured grandchildren, Sam, Sarah, Cassie, Jack, Magdalen, Charles, Jacob, Elizabeth, and Colin. Jay is also survived by nephews and nieces, Chris Woodworth, Tim Hodgson, Katie Hodgson, and Meg Nam, and their families.
Jay devoted much of his time and energy serving on the Board of Trustees of several organizations in the greater Worcester area, most notably Worcester Memorial Hospital. The greatest joys in his life were spending time with family, friends, and loved ones; watching his grandchildren play sports; skiing the Green Mountains of Vermont; wintering at his home on Palm Island in Florida; boating the Intracoastal waterway; and following the Red Sox.
A burial for immediate family will take place at Hope Cemetery in Worcester. The family would like to hold a memorial service in the Worcester area to celebrate Jay's life sometime in the future once the state of Massachusetts allows larger gatherings. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org. Arrangements in the care of Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home, Worcester.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Hodgson
Sponsored by Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home.
Christine Barrows
May 10, 2020
Sam and David,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your dad was very good to our mom Rose and we will always be grateful. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Chris and Liz
melinda johnson
May 6, 2020
Dear Sam and David Ron and I are so sorry. May happy memories help ease your loss. Ron and Melinda Johnson
May 3, 2020
I will always remember Jay - with great admiration. He represented our company for many many years. He was smart and had a dry sense of humor. I always thought he had the capacity to cut through the BS to get to the truth. My sympathy. Sue Mailman. Coghlin Electric.
Terry Wassell
May 2, 2020
Dear Hodgson Family. I worked as the receptionist for June, Fletcher and Whipple back in the early 70's and remember John. I think I also remember that he had a Corvair car.......maybe a collection of them? I always have thought of him over these many years whenever I have seen a Corvair at a vintage car show, on TV or once in a while even on the road. Bless you all and may you feel God's peace as you walk through this difficult time.
Terry Wassell
May 2, 2020
Dear Hodgson Family.
I worked as the receptionist at June Fletcher and Whipple way back in the early 70's and remember John......I also think I remember he had a Covair car...maybe a collection of them? I think of him whenever I see one at a vintage car show, on TV or once in a while even on the road.....Bless you all and I pray peace to your hearts as you walk through this difficult time.
William Todd
May 1, 2020
I have had the pleasure of the friendship of my dear Cousin Jay for 83 years, from his early childhood to his successful legal career. Zoe and I will miss you Jay. Our condolences to his siblings, sons and grandchildren.
Bill Heil
May 1, 2020
Sam - so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Julie Heil
May 1, 2020
So very sorry to hear this. Prayers being offered for everyone. I am sure the family he leaves behind has memories to bring lots of smiles.
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