Louis Joseph Lodico Jr.

Louis Joseph Lodico, Jr., passed away peacefully at home on October 22, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Born on August 4, 1928, in Elmira, New York, Lou lived a life filled with love, friendship, achievement, and laughter.

The son of Louis Joseph Lodico, Sr., and Salvina Borzilleri Lodico of Fredonia, New York, Lou was brought up with strong family values that he carried throughout his life. Predeceased by his wife Jane Custer Lodico, with whom he shared a 65-year marriage, Lou and Jane built a beautiful family and life together in Elmira, New York, and Jekyll Island, Georgia. They enjoyed golf, bridge, travel, and a vibrant social life. Lou was also predeceased by his brothers Lawrence, Edward, and John.

Lou graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1946. He attended Cornell University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He graduated from the University of Buffalo Dental School. After his education, Lou served his country in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1955 and was stationed in Fukuoka, Japan. Afterwards, Lou returned to Elmira to join his father’s dental practice, where he dedicated himself to the care of his patients until his retirement in 1992.

Lou was not only a devoted and capable dentist but also a man of diverse interests and talents. His passions included photography, hi-fi audio, fishing, hunting, aviation, boating, and wine-making. Golf and card games provided entertainment for most of his adult life. In his retirement, Lou became an accomplished potter and a leader in the arts community on Jekyll Island. He served for years as a docent at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and mentored many budding potters of all ages.

Lou's genuine curiosity and warmth made him a beloved figure to all who knew him. He had an extraordinary gift for making people feel at ease, and his devotion to family and friends was unwavering. Lou is survived by his sister Mary Grace Lodico of Waynesville, North Carolina, and by his children, Michael Lodico, Sr. (Mary Alice) of Waynesville, North Carolina; Louis Lodico III (Teresa) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Jane Christian (Paul) of St. Simons Island, Georgia. He leaves behind six grandchildren, Michael Lodico Jr. (Priya), Anna Nishimura Lodico (Gen), Gregory Christian (Tristane), Maria Maes (Chris), Benjamin Lodico (Callie), and Joseph Lodico (Marilyn), along with his 18 great-grandchildren: Mio, Jin, Noa, and Coen Nishimura Lodico; Florence, Ravi, and Louis N. Lodico; Mia and Lucy Lodico; Sylvia, Louis, and Franco Lodico; Julia and Penelope Christian; Mary, Jane, Judy, and Daniel Maes.

A service to celebrate Lou's remarkable life will be held on November 7, 2026, at 11 a.m at Jekyll Island United Methodist Church, Jekyll Island, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that donations be made to Social Opportunities and Active Recreation (www.soargoldenisles.org) or the Jekyll Island Arts Association Pottery Guild.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all of Lou’s caregivers, particularly Nettie Keith and the compassionate ladies from A.Y.S.J.E.G., for their loving support during Lou's final years.

As we bid farewell to a man who touched so many lives, we find solace in knowing that Lou's spirit will continue to inspire, comfort, and guide those he leaves behind. Lou's legacy of humor, curiosity, and love will forever remain in our hearts.