John Dodd

John Hilliard Dodd

August 6, 1958 - December 17, 2024

FERNLEY - John Hilliard Dodd, born on August 6, 1958, in Napa, California, passed away on December 17, 2024, in Fernley, Nevada. His life was one of family, creativity and adventure, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

John grew up on the Dodd ranch on Vichy Avenue, where he shared a rich and lively childhood with his parents, Bill and Pat Dodd, and his four siblings- Debby, Steve, Bill and Jim. He shared his dad's great love of horses, exploring the Napa Valley on his horse "Venecia," often with the Napa Valley 4-H but mostly with his tightknit group of friends. Of all the Dodd sons, John could most reliably be counted on to do his chores - he at one time or another learned to take care of horses, dogs, rabbits, chickens, sheep, and the beloved donkey "Sam" - which seeded a deep affinity for riding and "ranching." John always looked forward to the annual Dodd summer camping and fishing treks to the Sierra Nevada and passed on his great passion for the mountains to his daughters Katie and Sara. The two best days of his life were the days of their births.

John attended St. John's Catholic Grammar School and Justin-Siena High School, places where he cultivated friendships that survived for almost 50 years. With a large and formidable yet gregarious presence, John excelled as a football player on one of the high school's most celebrated teams. Throughout his life, John remained close to his brothers and sister, and his Dodd-Polk-side extended family of over twenty cousins. He was also cherished by fourteen nieces and nephews around the country.

John was an especially avid musician, who found joy in listening to great country and rock music and then playing his favorite tunes "by ear." He taught himself to play piano and guitar with creativity and flair. Known for his sense of humor and gift for entertaining, John delighted his own and other children by launching into songs like "Puff the Magic Dragon" and "Grandma's Feather Bed," creating treasured memories for his daughters, nieces, and nephews.

Professionally, John achieved early success in the water quality industry, following in the footsteps of his father. One of John's proudest accomplishments was to be honored with the highly coveted Million Dollar Roundtable for Culligan USA and receive the Silver Sword Award for the highest Dealership Volume for his work at Culligan of Orange County. His later, varied work activities took him across the country, where he lived and traveled extensively. His travels eventually led him to meet his wife Sherry, who navigated later-life peaks and valleys with John with grace and loyalty.

John is survived by his beloved wife Sherry, his two daughters, Katie Said (Christopher) and Sara Dodd (Sergio Lopez), his siblings, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Pat Dodd. His warm smile, humor, and musical spirit will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate John's life in Napa in late spring of 2025.