Benjamin W Hodgson

After graduating high school, he attended Westchester State college in Pennsylvania earning a bachelor's degree. Subsequently, he proudly served in the United States Army in the German occupation after WWII. After serving in the Army, he resumed his education by earning a master’s degree from Lehigh University.

During college he began working for Bethlehem Steel Company in the summertime, he also worked for a railroad, which started a lifelong love of trains.

He began his teaching and coaching career at Frenchtown High School (now Delaware Valley Regional High School) in New Jersey.

In his first two seasons as varsity head coach at Frenchtown, his record was 37-3. Decades later, Delaware Valley inducted him into their coaching hall of fame.

His successful career would carry him to Lakeland Regional High School in 1958. Benjamin's first year as head coach at Lakeland was the first year of varsity basketball at the school.

His record at Lakeland Regional was 174-103. He eventually retired as head basketball coach due to his increasing duties as vice-principal. His overall record as head coach for High school varsity basketball was 211-106.

Dan Foley, a former student at Lakeland, dedicated a book he wrote to Benjamin. The dedication read “This book is for Ben Hodgson, high school guidance counselor and basketball coach who saw the potential in me and always celebrated my successes”.

After 30-plus years of working in the same place and enjoying every minute, he would retire and enjoy golfing, tennis, train watching in Irondale and traveling. Looking back, Benjamin loved engaging with his students, motivating them to learn, and cherished the relationships that he formed with his colleagues.

Apart from his professional career, he married the love of his life, Lois Stenman, and would have 61 wonderful years of marriage. One of his proudest moments was the birth of his son, Edward Hodgson. Benjamin enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his grandson, William.

Benjamin is survived by his son, Edward Hodgson, daughter in-law Feihong Hodgson, and grandson, William Hodgson, brother, David Hodgson, sister, Sue Gottling.