Obituary of Richard G. Hodge, Jr.

Richard G. Hodge, Jr. of Lake George entered his eternal rest on January 9, 2018 at the age of 82 following a long illness. He was the son of the late Richard G. Hodge Sr. and Villette Jones Hodge.

Richard was a much beloved friend to many in the greater Capital Region, and his commitment since at least 1976 to Rotary International, both locally and globally, was unmatched.  He was a member of four different Rotary clubs, had served as a Rotary Assistant Governor and Rotary Foundation Coordinator, earned his Paul Harris Fellow Plus 4, and had travelled internationally on a Rotary mission to Zimbabwe, Africa.  He was also active in Rotary's effort to eradicate the Polio virus, and was an inveterate Polio Plunger each New Year's Day for at least 12 years in support of the Polio campaign. 

As an individual, Richard was as fine a person as one would ever hope to know.  His dedication to helping others was legendary, and his determination and commitment to the numerous community projects he engaged earned him the highest regard from his friends and fellow Rotarians.  He was the epitome of Rotary's motto: Service Above Self.

In particular Richard was deeply active in the Gift of Life, a Rotary project which provides lifesaving heart operations to small children from around the world.  He served as the Treasurer of the regional Gift of Life for many years, and personally assisted in saving the lives of numerous children during his tenure.

These acts of kindness garnered Richard many Rotary awards, both from local Rotary clubs, Rotary District 7190, and Rotary International.  Recently he was recognized regionally with the Over 40 Award, a token of esteem for his involvement in community efforts to improve humankind.  Richard especially enjoyed bowling with the Thursday Mixed Bowling League at Hometown Lanes in Mechanicville.

A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, February 7^th from 5 to 7 p.m., with a time of sharing at 6:30 p.m. at the Catricala Funeral Home Inc., 1597 Route 9 in Clifton Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Gift of Life, PO Box 2749, Glens Falls, NY 12801.