John E. Dodge

DODGE, John E.
87, of Cortland, died Thursday, November 27, 2008. John was predeceased by his wife of 36 years, Mary Elizabeth (Flegal) Dodge, and by Phyllis Shaw with whom he enjoyed mutual companionship for many years after his wife's passing. John was born January 12, 1921 in Elmira, New York, the son of Joseph and Tuie Dodge. John worked as a mechanical engineer at Remington Rand in Elmira, NY until 1972 and then with Smith Corona in Cortland until he retired in 1983. He holds a number of typewriter design patents. John was an outstanding athlete excelling in boxing and wrestling at Southside High School in Elmira, NY. He enjoyed many sports including basketball, softball, golf, and bowling. He helped develop the youth recreation programs in Southport, NY and was active in coaching for many years. John fought for his country during World War II in the South Pacific as a crew member of the USS Wadsworth, Destroyer DD516. He was incredibly proud of that service and became lifelong friends of those with whom he served. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He developed a passion for decorative decoy carving. He was well-known within the US for his expertise and won many competitions including numerous national and world championships. He had a great love for his family and had many friends. His home was always open to all. John is survived by his four children, Donna Burnett, Tom Dodge, Ted Dodge, and Carol Whitcombe. He had eight grandchildren, Traci Didier, Brian Burnett, Jill Dodge, Mike Dodge, Taryn Trimmer, Trena Dodge, Ryan Nitti, and Chad Nitti. He also had five great-grandchildren. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, December 6, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, NY. Burial with Military Honors will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, NY at 2:30 p.m. A viewing will be held Friday, December 5, 2008, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Anyone wishing to make a contribution in John's name is asked to consider Lime Hollow Nature Center, 338 McLean Rd., Cortland, NY 13045.