William R. "Jigger" Hodgson

South Kingstown William R. “Jigger” Hodgson, 88 of Wakefield, died peacefully Monday evening, April 14, 2014 at Rhode Island Hospital with his family at his side. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late George E. and Alice V. (Coughlin) Hodgson. “Jigger”, as he was so affectionately known, was a Policeman for the Providence Police Department for twenty-six years, retiring in 1976. He served the City of Providence in the Traffic Division, and was assigned to the Motorcycle Unit most of his career. His affection for his fellow officers, the department and the city were well known. He continued to follow the events of the PPD for the rest of his life. After retiring from the PPD, he worked for the State of RI for 10 years followed by another 10 years with Long Term Care, a pharmaceutical company. At every stop, he developed strong relationships that lasted until his final days. He was a member of the Providence Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge # 3, the Retired Providence Police and Firefighters Association, and a proud member of the Rocket Science Society of Wakefield. Prior to his police career, he served his country honorably in the United States Army during WW II with the 78th Infantry Lightning Division, fighting in the Rhineland, Ardennes and in Central Europe, most notably at the Battle of the Bulge. His friends and family treasured his detailed memories of his life experiences until the day he died.Jigger was a true example of the Greatest Generation. He was a communicant of Saint James Chapel, Charlestown. He spent much of his later years gathering with friends, many of whom were retired police and firefighters, to keep up with current affairs in the South County area and elsewhere. He could often be found having breakfast at the Old Mountain Bowling Lanes or at the beach enjoying the natural beauty of the state for which he was so affectionate. Jigger was known for his quick wit, great sense of humor and excellent memory for the details. He was always easy with a smile and a great conversationalist. His passion and zest for life, something he maintained until his final moments, will be sorely missed by all knew him. He leaves two daughters, Carol A. Browning and Kathleen M. Weisberger, his beloved grandson, Zachary S. Browning and his special friend, Diane Redmond. He was predeceased by his sisters Doris Grenier, Marjorie Thornton, Shirley Overcash DelPrete and Norma Forgue. He also leaves an extended family that spans three generations of nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and neighbors and his beloved shih tzu Micky, the best dog in the world. The family invites you to celebrate his life as Jigger continues his journey. Visiting hours Tuesday, 4 – 7 pm at Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home. The funeral will be held Wednesday, at 8:30 am, from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road, (Rt117) Warwick. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Saint James Chapel, 2079 Matunuck Schoolhouse Road, Charlestown. Burial, with military honors, will be in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. He was a long time contributor to Ocean Tides School. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Ocean Tides School 635 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI 02882. For on-line condolences, visit boyleandsonfuneralhome.com