Thomas J. Dodds

A Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas J. Dodds, 75, of Potsdam, NY, will be held Tuesday, April 23 at 11:00am at St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam with Rev. Stephen Rocker officiating. Burial will be later in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Potsdam.

Calling hours will be held Monday, April 22 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Garner Funeral Service in Potsdam. Thomas passed peacefully at Canton Potsdam Hospital with family at his side, on April 20, 2019.

Tom was born on August 21, 1943 to Winford and Dorothy (Gagnon) Dodds of Potsdam, NY. He graduated from Potsdam Senior High School in 1961, and enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1962-1966. While in the Air Force he served as a member of the ICBM Missile launch crew. Tom married Mary Lynn (Johnston) Dodds on October 12, 1963. They returned to the North Country in 1966, and he completed a two-year degree at SUNY Canton in 1968. Tom retired from the Village of Potsdam as the Community Development Director in 2005. He found this work, helping families receive funding to rehab their homes, very rewarding. Tom and Mary were very active volunteers, and leaders, of Sinclair Corners 4-H Club and the PCS afs club for eleven years, while their children attended Potsdam schools, and after they had graduated. Tom was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Council #340 and a 12 year member of the local Elks’ Lodge.

Tom was predeceased by both of his parents, his brothers, Donald William and Robert Paul, and his oldest sister, Barbara Jean Dodds.

He is survived by wife of 56 years, Mary L., their two daughters, Laura (Dodds) Pfeiffer of Grafton, NY and Susan Dodds of Parishville, NY, two sisters, Patricia (Dodds) and Rock Murdough of Charlottesville, VA and Janice (Dodds) and Dan Lalonde of Rochester, NY, two granddaughters, Nicole Dodds and Michelle Pfeiffer, one grandson, Daniel Dodds-Walters, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Tom always enjoyed maintaining his family home and working outdoors. After retirement, he and Mary enjoyed many cross-country motorcycle adventures, wintering in Florida and casino-hopping. He looked forward to regular luncheons with his Class of 1961 buddies.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom’s name to the charity of your choice. Condolences and fond memories can be shared online at www.garnerfh.com