Richard King Dods

We are heartbroken to have lost our beloved father, husband, and grandfather Richard Dods who passed peacefully on Monday, January 23, 2023. Richard or "Dick" to those close to him was born in Sewickley, PA a suburb of Pittsburgh in 1934. Dad was always a hard worker, as a teenager working both in a drug store and Isley's Ice Cream Shop. Dick went on to study pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh before changing his major to business, a decision that would forever change his life for the better. We say this not because the business degree led Dad to untold riches or fame, but rather because it led him into a career with Koppers Company in Baltimore, where he met the love of his life Nancy. No story of Dad is complete without Nancy; literally on the last day of his life he was telling Mom what a good woman she is (true) and how pretty her hair is (also true). In short, Dad was in love with his bride until the day he took his last breath, and she with him.

Dad worked for Koppers and its successor company Kaydon for over 40 years, and incredibly, never missed a day due to sickness, a record that even Cal Ripken would envy! In addition to a successful career Dad was very involved in the community. He served several terms as President of the Dundalk Chapter of Barbershop singers. Dad loved to sing and he was tickled that his granddaughter Ally is a performer. Richard also dearly loved his granddaughters Nicki and Maggie.

In addition to barbershop singing Dad enriched the community through his active involvement in the church, where he served in a number of capacities including being a prominent member of the chorus as well as a volunteer custodian after his retirement. He also collected and delivered food to churches and food banks for many years. All of this community involvement let to him being elected to the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2012.

Dad loved his family, his country, and his God. He will be terribly missed by all who knew him well. He leaves behind his beloved wife Nancy; son Craig (Robin) and daughter Lynn (Richard), granddaughters Ally (John), Maggie (Joseph), Nicki, and a host of friends and family.

We welcome friends to share memories of Dad at Lemmon Funeral Home, 10 W. Padonia Road, on Friday from 4-7pm. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at 12 noon at Timonium United Methodist Church, 2300 Pot Spring Road. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Timonium United Methodist Church, 2300 Pot Spring Road, Timonium, MD 21093, or Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.