John P. "Sonny" Hodge Jr.

John P. "Sonny" Hodge, Jr., 91, was called home on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. He was a son of the late John P. Sr. and Helen J. (Breiner) Hodge. John was a graduate of Wilson Area High School, Class of 1948. He excelled at math and was good at figuring out three-digit times tables without a pencil and paper. His first job was roofing and other odd jobs with his father. He also worked at Mrs. Smith Pies and the Lehigh Foundry. John was a simple, patient and kind man who never fancied the finer things in life and always put others before him. In his younger days, he liked working on cars and could fix anything before new technology and computers took over. He often spoke fondly of his 1944 Ford Coupe, which took him and his friends to drive-in movies, a few drag racing incidents, and out for 35 cent steak sandwiches. He always loved "tinkering" in his garage, which truly was his happy place where he enjoyed an occasional cigar and did his best thinking. He was a fan of the Washington Redskins, Johnny Cash, and NASCAR. He was a lifetime member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, now Our Lady of Mercy Parish. John was married to the former June Marie Lattig for 66 years. They raised eight children together. Married life was never easy, but with the faith of God, they stayed strong for better or worse. It was nothing for John to work 60-hour-weeks, always providing for his large family and making sure to save enough to take his children camping and to amusement parks every year. He lived in Glendon all his life and often enjoyed visiting his brothers and sisters two-doors-down in the home he was born in. John was a strong man who never gave up, even on his darkest days, and never complained. His memory will be etched in our hearts forever. He is survived by his children, Debbie Darlington and husband, Jim, of Palmer, John P. Hodge, III and wife, Doreen, of Easton, Cheryl Teske and husband, Kenny, and David Hodge and companion, Mindy Kneebone, both of Glendon, Mark Hodge and companion, Cam Van Le, of Palmer, Patty Laudenbach and husband, Keith, of Forks, Mary Hockenbury and companion, Norm Bean, Sr., of Glendon, and Randy Hodge and wife, Rosa, of Palmer; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren with one on the way; one great-great-grandchild; five siblings, Jean Saylor, Ruth Snyder, and Michael Hodge, all of Glendon, Rosemarie Stem of Indiana, and Catherine Horninger of Wilson; along with many nieces and nephews that will miss their uncle, Sonny. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jane Kocher; and a brother, Thomas H. Hodge, Sr. As John requested, there will be no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, LLC, in the Village of Moorestown – Bath. Memorial contributions may be offered to Our Lady of Mercy Parish,132 S. 5th Street, Easton, PA 18042. George G. Bensing Funeral Home, LLC 2165 Community Drive Bath, PA 18014 (610) 759-3901