Raymond Hodge

SALEM – Mr. Raymond Hodge, 96, of Danvers, formerly of Salem and Peabody, passed away peacefully May 31, 2021 after a short illness. He was the devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He leaves his beloved wife of 75 years, Marion L. (D’Entremont) Hodge.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Dwight and Beatrice (Sanborn) Hodge. He graduated from Salem High School in 1942 and looked forward to every ten-year reunion, which he helped to plan. He was fondly known as “Hodgie” and he had a wonderful sense of humor and playfulness, as shown by the ever-present twinkle in his eye and his infectious laugh.

He was a proud veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Navy aboard the destroyer, the U.S.S. Moffatt, which escorted troops to the European and North African theater.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he started his career in business as a draftsman at the Ruggles-Klingeman Manufacturing Company in Salem. By the time he retired in 1993, he had been appointed president of the company.

He was an active member of the Salem Rotary Club and served as its president. He was responsible for the implementation of the Rotary Calendar, which remains one of the most profitable fundraisers for the club, and he earned perfect attendance awards for many years. The highlight of his Rotary Club experience was the honor of receiving the Paul Harris Award.

He, his wife, and grandchildren were avid skiers and enjoyed skiing all over New England, the Rockies, and Austria. He loved skiing so much that he skied into his 70s. He and his wife enjoyed traveling as well, especially on Royal Caribbean Cruises. They were also social members of the Boston Yacht Club in Marblehead and the Wenham Golf Club for many years.

His favorite times, however, were spent in the company of his adoring family. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have very fond memories of summers at Mousam Lake in Maine. He always knew how to make everything so much fun.

In addition to his wife, Ray is also survived by his two daughters, Carol Osborne and her husband, George “Ernie” Osborne of Minden, Nevada, and Nancy Lynch and her husband, Edward Lynch of Ipswich. He is also survived by his granddaughters Leigh-Ann Osborne of Carson City, Nevada and Briana Lynch-Haddad of Danvers and her husband, David Haddad. He also leaves three great grandchildren, Emma and Gavin Osborne of South Lake Tahoe, California, and Sophie Haddad of Danvers. He was predeceased by his grandson, Gregory Osborne and brother, Philip Sanborn Hodge.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals - Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq. (at Salem Common), Salem, on Saturday, June 5^th from 9 to 10:30 AM.; followed by his funeral service at 11A.M. Burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity Ray supported annually in memory of his grandson, Greg: The Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research & Information, Inc at 1100 Peninsula Blvd, Hewlett, NY 11557 or https://virtualtrials.org/donate11.cfm. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

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