SMYRNA – Harold N. “Harry” Dodge, 73, of Smyrna, passed away late Friday night, Sept. 18, 2009, at his home following a lengthy illness.
Born in Manorkill in April of 1936, Harry was the son of James and Phebe Houghtaling Dodge. He attended school in New Berlin prior to joining the U.S. Army and serving his country from Aug. 8, 1958 through his honorable discharge in August of 1960. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves through 1964. Harry was a man happiest when he was doing something. He had worked in his early years in a quarry, cutting stone and digging gravel, was employed by McGowan Construction in Binghamton after his Army years, spent some time working for David Sheldon moving trailers, and later on was a self-employed contractor. He liked building things and, even after his retirement at the age of 62, continued to work at least part time doing whatever it pleased him to do. He was an opinionated man, but very fair in his dealings. Harry and his family had lived in Norwich for a time and, since 1991, had been residents of Smyrna.
On May 25, 1985, in Sherburne, Harry married Mary Ann DuVall. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann Dodge of Smyrna; and his children and their spouses: Kimberly and Brian Blackman of Norwich. Mary Ann Hamilton of Sherburne, Joseph Dodge of Norwich, Allen “Tom” Summers and Barb of Sherburne, Scott Dodge of Smyrna, Jennifer and Art Fleming of Smyrna, Laura and Steve LaFountain of Stillwater and Erin Setzer of Binghamton. Also surviving are Harry’s grandchildren: Sgt. Jason Jipson USMC and wife Katie, Ashlie Shaver, Joshua and Jacob Hamilton, Tyler and Eric Dodge, Brent and Courtney Dodge, Troy and Garrett Fleming, Makayla and Alexis LaFountain, and Jacob Setzer: his great grandson, Caleb: and his sister and brothers: Betty Benjamin and husband Sonny of Morris, Robert Dodge and wife Tosh of North Carolina, and George Dodge and wife Jenny of Smyrna. Harry was predeceased by his brothers, Richard and James.
Funeral services for Harry will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Charles Taylor, pastor of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church of New Berlin, will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.