Dean I. Hodgdon

Dean I. Hodgdon, 94, of North Providence, a cherished individual who was a wonderful father, a loving and devoted husband, and a caring grandfather left us on September 9, 2024. He passed at home with his loving wife and 3 of his loving daughters at his bedside. His longtime employee and good friend, Eddie was also at his bedside. He led a long, fulfilling, and simply stated, really fun life with wonderful memories with all of his family and friends.

Dean was born on June 18, 1930 in Lancaster, New Hampshire. He grew up with his two sisters, Diane and Nancy and graduated from Lancaster Academy in 1948. Immediately after graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army and served for four years, including serving in the Korean War. He served honorably during the war and received the Good Conduct Medal.

Upon returning from his Army enlistment, he went to college at Suffolk University and graduated with a degree in Business. He eventually started his career within the plywood industry at first working for international company, Georgia Pacific. He then went on to a long, successful career with Allied Plywood Company working as the manager, with some employees who spent 30 plus years working alongside him.

Soon he married Sally Gormley and went on to have his five loving children – daughters Cheryl (Jimmy DeAngelis), Kim (the late Bob McGovern), Deana (Thomas Orr) and Nanette (William Clark) and his son, the late Kenneth D. Hodgdon. Dean loved being a father to his kids, was also a confidant and true friend for all his children. He was also the cherished grandfather of, TJ Orr, Billy Clark, Sarah Clark, Meaghan McGovern, Nick Orr, Sierra Corkins, Jack Corkins, Quinn Corkins and Emmi Corkins.

He started his career in Boston, MA but later moved to Rumford, RI where he lived with his family for many years.

Dean had many interests throughout his life but none more important than his love of the game of golf and the Woodchuckers Golf League. A league that he helped to form in 1964 and is still going strong 60 years later. He was instrumental in forming and maintaining this league with lifelong camaraderie and friendships, including his best friend Ralph Guerriero.

His biggest highlight of his golf career was in 1982 – Dean, Ralph, Raymond and Joe (his favorite foursome) were in California and Ralph greased the starters hand, and they unbelievably were allowed to play a round at Pebble Beach – a relished memory!!

Dean also had a passion for service and was involved with the East Providence Lions Club for many years and served as president twice. He was very proud of his work with the Lions Club and touched many lives and later given a lifetime membership and was also a member of the American Legion.

Dean remarried in 1998 to Lynn Corkins and they spent a total of 30 wonderful years together. Lynn and Dean fostered a home that was always welcoming and comfortable. Lynn had two sons, Scott (Lisa) and Jamie (Catherine) and they had a truly special relationship with Dean who treated them like his own children.

Dean had many hobbies throughout his life, including golf as mentioned, but he also was an avid skier. He spent many years skiing in Vermont in the Quechee and Killington areas and skied until his late 70’s. He also was a connoisseur of technology and had to have every new gadget that came out. He was always wearing his Apple Watch and often seen helping younger generations with their iPhones. Years earlier he introduced family and friends to the magic of computers.

Dean was truly a remarkable and charismatic person who led an extraordinary life. He exerted such a strong will to live and enjoyed himself while doing it. He wasn’t just the life of the party but also always the last one at the party! His stamina was unmatched even into his 90’s. He was an amazing dancer and seldom “sat this one out.” He was forever generous, and gracious to all who knew him. He will be sorely missed but his memory and legacy will live on through all that knew him and were lucky enough to call him family and friend.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 13, 2024 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the PONTARELLI-MARINO FUNERAL HOME, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence.

Funeral services followed by Military Honors will be held Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 12:00 PM in the funeral home. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dean’s memory to the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 or https://www.hopehealthco.org/ways-to-give/donatenow/