Service measured not by GOLD,
                           but by the GOLDEN RULE

Service measured not by GOLD,
          but by the GOLDEN RULE

330.262.7771

Ralph S. Hodgdon, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 in Wooster, OH surrounded by his family.

Ralph was born on June 12, 1941 in Canton, OH to Ralph Hodgdon, Sr. from Canton and Dorothy Nixon Hodgdon from Magnolia, OH. He was their only child and grew up just north of Zoar, OH. He married Connie Gaeth Hodgdon on June 17, 1967. She survives.

He was a graduate of Sandy Valley High School and attended Muskingum College for two years before transferring to Mount Union College to complete a degree in biology and chemistry in 1963. He then took a job as assistant dorm director at Muskingum College where he and Connie met. He later attended the Ohio State University, where he earned his MA in Educational Administration with a major in counseling psychology.

He began his professional life as an instructor of Psychology at Brevard Junior College in Cocoa, FL where he and Connie began their married life. They later moved back to Ohio where he began employment with Ernst & Young and later progressed to a position with Family Motor Coach Association. He then started a research laboratory business, WIL Labs, in Cincinnati, which grew to be a successful business. Later, after moving to Wooster, OH he switched gears and went into nursing home administration. He then worked with Altercare Integrated Health Services as a Nursing Home Administrator until he retired.

One of Ralph’s greatest loves was flying airplanes and he could often be found at the Wayne County Airport with his flying buddies. He owned a small, private plane for several years and had many adventures flying the family to vacations in Florida. Other interests included motorcycles, cars and boating. He was most content throughout his life when he had activities that included motorized vehicles and bodies of water. The family has memories of lake and sea fishing as well as water skiing and pontoon rides with Ralph as the captain, and the dog by his side. He started each day by reading the Wall Street Journal over coffee and was often up before anyone else. In recent years, he enjoyed spending time with his daughters Jenny and Cathy and his four grandchildren at their vacation home at Apple Valley Lake in Howard, OH. He was also a shooting enthusiast and enjoyed an afternoon at the shooting range with friends at Fin, Feather & Fur. He loved to read and was self-educated on a variety of topics, including Christianity, reincarnation, cosmic studies, politics and finance. He was a believer in the power of prayer and spiritual connections.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Connie, are his daughters Jenny (Jorge) Diaz of Perrysburg OH, Cathy (Everett) Ross of Columbus and grandchildren Elizabeth Diaz, Nathan Ross, Alexander Diaz and Owen Ross. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ralph will be remembered by his family for his grounded demeanor, good nature, sense of humor and spirit of adventure.

His family will hold a private memorial service to celebrate his life.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Ohio’s LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster OH 44691.

McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St, Wooster is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com. 

9 Comments

  1. Connie , so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.

    Reply
  2. Connie and Family:

    So very sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. May God bless and comfort you all during this time of sorrow.

    Mark Stahl and Julie Leathers Stahl

    Reply
  3. Connie, so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Wishing you and your family peace and comfort.

    Debby Schultz Basiewicz

    Reply
  4. Dear Connie,
    We were so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Our thoughts and sympathy to all of you.
    Roy and Donna Edington

    Reply
  5. Connie, May the memories of all your good times with Ralph bring you comfort during this time. of loss

    Beth Hodges

    Reply
  6. Connie and family, so sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort, guide you, and give you peace in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers go with you.
    Bev and Phil Maasz

    Reply
  7. Connie, I didn’t know your husband, but he sounds like he was a very talented man. My deepest condolences.

    Your classmate,
    Daille Geist Pettit

    Reply
  8. Connie,
    Am so sorry to learn of the passing of your husband. Although I didn’t know him personally, he sounds like he was very special and missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your classmate,
    Bonnie Young Snyder

    Reply
  9. Connie, I am so sorry for your loss of Ralph. God be with you and your children at this difficult time!

    Reply

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