Winthrop D. Hodges Jr.

1932 - 2023

Winthrop D. Hodges Jr. , 90

Nahant - Nahant, MA – Winthrop Donnison "Don" Hodges, Jr. was born November 13, 1932, in Boston, MA, the son of Capt. Winthrop Donnison Hodges and Abigail Hancock (Bishop) Hodges. A lifelong and proud resident of Nahant, Don died on April 9, 2023 at the home he shared with his wife of 26 years, Barbara Ellen (DeCoste) Hodges of Gloucester, MA.

Don graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, class of 1956. In addition to racing S-boats at the Academy, serving duty on the SS United States and other ships, one of his more memorable moments was marching in President Eisenhower's first inaugural parade in Washington, D.C.

After college, he became a deck officer for Farrell Lines and subsequently served in the U.S. Navy as a commissioned Lieutenant. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, he was hired by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Satellite Tracking Program. During his time with the Smithsonian, he was an observer at the station in South Africa, a field training officer at the Jupiter, FL station, and station manager at the Mount Haleakala station in Maui, Hawaii. In 1974, he began work in the newly established computer operations department at Fidelity Investments until his retirement in 1994.

In his youth, Don spent many summers at Camp Chewonki in Wiscasset, Maine where he learned outdoor skills, among them to skillfully shoot a rifle, later becoming a champion marksman. He enjoyed sailing his Town Class sailboat, tinkering on cars, and simply hanging around the wharf with his town friends.

Don was an avid reader and collector of books, in particular U.S. and military history. He treasured and maintained many genealogical artifacts, books, and records on the Hodges family in which he took great pride and care. He was a dedicated member, contributor, and past vice president of the Nahant Historical Society and Nahant Historical Commission. Don most enjoyed hosting legendary clambakes for friends and family at his home overlooking Boston harbor.

Don is survived by his wife Barbara, his sister Elizabeth Bishop (Hodges) Johnson; daughter Ellen Bourne Hodges; sons Benjamin Taylor Hodges and Richard Donnison Hodges; first wife Winifred Bourne (Macnish) Hodges; daughter Jennifer Margaret Sweeney-Negron and her son Liam Alexander Sweeney-Negron; four grandchildren, Jordan Dean Riddle, Tyler Patrick Riddle, William Taylor Hodges, and Emily Alexandra Hodges; and many nieces and nephews.

Service Information: A celebration of his life will be held on July 8, 2023. Please contact Solimine Funeral Homes in Lynn, MA for details. Those who wish to remember Don may donate to the Nahant Historical Society. Guestbook at www.solimine.com