Stephen M. Dodge, 53, of South Hamilton and longtime of Ipswich,
died Monday March 14, 2011 in the Beverly Hospital following his
long illness.
Born in Westfield June 26, 1957, he was the son of the Charlotte L.
(Perry) Dodge of East Street, Ipswich and the late Charles W. Dodge.
Stephen attended Ipswich elementary school and as a freshman, the
Ipswich High School where he was a member of the band and the
freshman football team. He went on to attend the Whittier-Vocational
Technical School when it opened, graduating with the Class of 1976.
Here he enjoyed being a member of the wrestling team and learning
masonry skills. A confirmed member of the Ascension Memorial Church,
he served as an acolyte, was a member of the Teen Group and was an
active member of the church sponsored Boy Scout Troop #101.
A
member of the area Young Life Youth Organization for a number of
years, he participated with groups from across the country in
outreach activities and enjoyed travel to Pike’s Peak, Saranac Lake
and many other adventures.
He
found his calling as an EMT with the Peter Poor Ambulance Company
where his sensitive, compassionate nature eased the pain and
distress of those in his care. The smiling friendly “gentle giant”
was loved by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
In
addition to his mother Charlotte he is survived by a sister Cathryn
Sylvester and her husband Robert of Thornton, NH; a brother, Charles
E. Dodge of Ipswich; nieces Lauren Delano and husband Todd of
Ipswich, Jennifer Bresnahan of Campton, NH; a nephew David Bresnahan
and wife Carrie of Phoenix, AZ; grand-niece Christina Waterson of
Campton, NH, grand-nephew Bryan Bresnahan of Campton, NH and Colby
Delano of Ipswich; his loving Godfather and uncle Ralph M. Perry of
Gloucester; uncle Kenneth E. Perry of Gloucester; many cousins, and
great aunt Doris Laubenstein and her husband Charles of Gloucester.
In
addition to his father he was predeceased by grandparents Madeline
Perry-Larson and Raymond Perry of Gloucester, Addie and Clifton
Dodge of Ipswich; uncle Herbert Dodge and his wife Rose of South
Hampton, NH, Barbara Perry and aunts MaryAnn (Roberts) Perry both of
Gloucester.
He
will be greatly missed by his devoted friends James Stansfield and
Dexter Stone both of Ipswich, Jeffrey Jones of Lumberton, MS and
his house mates and friends at Deveaux House of South Hamilton.
A
special thank you to the many nurses, doctors and staff of Ledgewood
Rehabilitation Center and Beverly Hospital for their months of care
and encouragement..
His
funeral service will be held Thursday March 17, 11 am in the
Ascension Memorial Church, 31 County Street, Ipswich, followed by
interment in the New Highland Cemetery, Ipswich. Family and friends
are respectfully welcomed. Visiting hours are Wednesday 4 to 8 pm in
the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich. In lieu of
flowers memorial contributions in his name may be made to the
Ipswich Humane Group, P.O. Box 873, Ipswich, MA 01938.
