Keith A. Hodges

KEITH A. HODGES - of Woburn, died peacefully on March 25th at the age of seventy-four, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Deborah (Mawn) Hodges. Proud and devoted father of Adam M. Hodges and his wife Leslie of North Reading, Katherine "Katie" Olson and her husband Seth of Vermont, and Keith A. Hodges, Jr. and his wife Colleen of Plymouth. Adoring grandfather of Olivia Hodges and Magnolia Olson. Dear brother of Linda Voskian and her husband Robert of Maine. Also survived by many loving extended family members and friends, as well as his faithful companion, his dog, Rita. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours in the funeral home on Sunday, March 29th from 2 to 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn, on Monday, March 30th at 10 a.m., followed by burial in Woodbrook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Keith's memory to the San Antonio Zoo.

Keith A. Hodges passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the age of 74, lovingly surrounded by his family. After an eleven-year battle with lung cancer, and later pulmonary fibrosis, Keith left this world the same way he lived, with quiet strength, determination, and deep devotion to those he loved.

Keith was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, to Alan and June Hodges, and grew up alongside his sister, Linda. He attended Stowe Preparatory School in Stowe, Vermont, and went on to earn his associate's degree before serving in the United States Army from 1975 to 1979. His time in Texas and Korea shaped a lifelong pride in being a veteran, and he remained a steadfast supporter of the military throughout his life.

When Keith was first diagnosed, he set a simple but powerful goal: to see his youngest son, Keith Jr., graduate from college. As the years passed, that goal grew. He wanted to be there for his children's weddings and to watch them build lives and families of their own. Through resilience and unwavering determination, he achieved all of this. In his final year, he became a proud grandfather to Olivia and Magnolia, one of the greatest joys of his life.

Keith built a life defined by hard work and quiet dedication. He spent over 25 years as a letter carrier, taking great pride in knowing the people and dogs along his route. Earlier in life, he worked as an animal caretaker at the San Antonio Zoo, a role he often called his favorite. There, he formed a special bond with an elephant named Lucky and built lasting memories with the animals he cared for, including big cats and rhinos. In 2016, he returned with his family for a meaningful reunion with Lucky and his mentor, Raymond Figueroa, a day he treasured deeply.

He also took great pride in his work training protection dogs, a role that reflected both his deep understanding of animals and his respect for discipline and loyalty.

Keith was not one for grand gestures or many words. He showed his love through what he did. He cooked favorite meals, shared stories, and quietly made sure his family was cared for. His homemade salsa, chicken salad, and award-winning chili became staples of family gatherings. He loved cooking when his children came home to visit and he was very proud of the chef that Adam has become.

He felt most at peace outdoors, whether fly fishing, hunting, or simply spending time outside. He had a lifelong appreciation for animals of all kinds and a special connection to the German Shepherds he raised over the years. He admired their loyalty, intelligence, and strength, qualities he carried within himself. Of all his dogs, Rita held a special place in his heart and he was incredibly proud of her gentle and loving nature. He also loved "Yellow Dog" Macie.

Keith found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved driving his Jeep, traveling to Cape Cod and Florida, especially Naples, Key West, and Islamorada, and enjoying meals at favorite spots like Cracklin' Jack's and The Naked Oyster. Some of his sweetest memories were simply sitting with Debbie on the back porch overlooking Horn Pond, enjoying the quiet together.

He shared nearly 35 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Debbie, who was truly the center of his world. She brought light to every part of his life, and he felt deeply grateful to be cared for by her and to remain by her side at home, especially in his final years. He was also incredibly proud of Debbie's outstanding career in health insurance and spoke often of her accomplishments with admiration.

Time with family meant everything to him, whether supporting Katie's love of horses, spending time on the boat with Keith, or enjoying family cookouts. His mother taught him that family is everything, and it was a lesson he carried with him throughout his life.

Keith is survived by his devoted wife, Debbie; his children, Adam and his wife Leslie; Katie and her husband Seth, along with their daughter Magnolia; and Keith Jr. and his wife Colleen, along with their daughter Olivia. He is also survived by his sister, Linda and her husband Bob, and a large extended family including many nieces and nephews who fondly referred to him as "UK." He will be deeply missed by his many friends and loved ones.

Throughout his illness, Keith never wanted anyone to think he was giving up. He fought quietly and persistently for as long as he could. He deeply wished to meet his newest grandchild due in August, but ultimately allowed himself the rest he had more than earned, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Keith will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a man whose quiet strength and steadiness anchored those around him. His love was constant, patient, and deeply felt.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours in the funeral home on Sunday, March 29th from 2 to 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn, on Monday, March 30th at 10 a.m., followed by burial in Woodbrook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Keith's memory to the San Antonio Zoo.