G. Richard Dodge, Jr.

G. Richard “Rich” Dodge, Jr., storyteller, writer and attorney, passed away at home on April 4, 2024 from complications due to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Rich was born on June 6, 1969 in Portland, OR, the eldest of three children. His rural upbringing in Portland; Saginaw, MI; Adams, NY; Cincinnatus, NY; and Hampden, ME provided him with a childhood full of outdoor adventures and later, days of hunting and fishing. He attended church regularly with his family and was a member of the Whitetail Lodge in Willet, NY.

Early on, Rich developed an interest in other cultures. While attending Drew University, he studied anthropology and played soccer. It was at Drew where he would make lifelong friends and meet his eventual wife, Athena Robles.

In 1990, Rich spent a semester abroad at The School for International Training in Harare, Zimbabwe. This experience and the tragic loss of his brother ignited his deep commitment to equality and the importance of seeking out experiences and relationships outside of his comfort zone. He was known for his sometimes incredulous stories and his penchant for storytelling often brought people together.

After completing law school at Georgetown University Law Center, he began a successful career as a litigator, working with compassion and a strong drive to help others. Sonia R. Martin, CEO of Dentons US, where Rich was a partner, described him as a “special soul” and a top practitioner in the national insurance bar, who was best known for his extensive work on behalf of clients in the defense of high-profile and complex cases including class actions and securities fraud matters.

Rich was an avid fan of the New York Jets, the Mets and Manchester City, as well as live music. He would pass on his passion for soccer and sports to his son, proudly wearing the mantle of soccer dad. He is survived by his wife, Athena Robles, and son, George Lucky Ramon Dodge; his sister, Christy (Scott Matthew Hargash) Michelle Dodge, Ph.D., and nephew, Scott Daniel Dodge Hargash; and his parents, Lois Jean Rathbone Dodge and George Richard Dodge. He is predeceased by a brother, Ramon Daniel Dodge, in 1991 and his beloved canine companion, Shea.

The family is grateful to the medical teams and caregivers who worked around the clock to provide Rich with comfort and treatment, especially in his final days, and to the relatives, friends, and neighbors who gave us their time, prayers and support. Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the ALS Association.