Thomas W. Hodgin

YORK BEACH, Maine - Thomas Wilson Hodgin, 85, of York Beach, died Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at York Hospital in York.

Thomas was born Nov. 1, 1924, in Lansing, Mich. He was the son of the late Arthur W. and Helen M. (Hvezda) Hodgin. Thomas attended Schools in St. Cloud, Minn., and was a graduate of York High School.

Surviving is his loving wife of 60-plus years, Ruth (Junkins) Hodgin of York Beach; two daughters, Lynn Hodgin-Peterson of Endicott, N.Y., and Lee Hodgin and her fiance, Stephen Lauritsen, of Brunswick, Maine. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Carlee and Joren Peterson; a brother, Frederick "Pete" Hodgin and his wife, Barbara, of Winter Park, Fla.; sisters-in-law Margaret Hodgin of Gold Canyon, Ariz., and Ann Hodgin of York; and several nieces and nephews.

Predeceasing Thomas were his parents and two brothers, Robert P. and Arthur W. Hodgin.

WE REMEMBER: Following graduation, Thomas proudly served his nation during World War II in the Army Air Corps, completing his service in February 1946.

He married his fiancee, Ruth A. Junkins, Sept. 15, 1949, in Rye, and they established their residence at Hodge Inn by the Sea, York Beach, where he was owner/manager. He enrolled at the University of New Hampshire in September 1950, where he would earn a bachelor of science degree in hotel management. He additionally became owner/manager of Pappy's Diner.

Thomas began a career at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1957 in the radiological control department and spent the next 28 years moving from trainee to instructor in the field of nuclear physics, retiring in 1985. An early department thrill was the first-ever re-fueling of a U.S. nuclear submarine when the Nautilus had its core change take place under the supervision of Adm. Rickover at the Portsmouth yard. This submarine later went over the North Pole under the ice.

Thomas led an exciting life as an artisan and performer. He "sat in" for various bands at the Rockingham Ballroom, York Beach Casino, Hampton Casino and Portsmouth Ballroom. He was a 25-year member of the Good Mem'ries Big Band of Hampton, N.H., with whom he played the saxophone and clarinet; he was a member of a small shipyard band Sentimental Journey, who continued their music after retirement, practicing in Tom's music room until his death.

He was a lifetime and founding member of the Nubble Lighthouse Keepers Square Dance Club, and was a talented woodworker, plumber, electrician and artistic painter. He was a member of the York Golf and Tennis Club and holds a life membership with the St. Aspinquid Lodge #198, A.F.&A.M., in York Village.

Thomas was a very kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, and will be deeply missed by all those whom he loved, and loved him.

SERVICES: A memorial service for Thomas will be held at 2 p.m. April 18 at Union Congregational Church, 18 Church St., York Beach. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, a donation may be made to the Union Congregational Church, or the York High School Music Boosters, Attn: Mary Horigan, 1 Stevens Drive, York, ME 03909. Care for the Hodgin family has been entrusted to J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home of Kittery, Maine.


This obituary was originally published in the Seacoast Online.