Joseph A. Dodge

Joseph A. “Joe” Dodge, 54, of Norwich, died on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, just weeks after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. He passed away at his home with his loving family at his side.

Born on March 17, 1966, in Norwich, Joe graduated from Norwich High School with the Class of 1984. Throughout his life, Joe stayed active working as a general contractor, which he practiced with both his father and grandfather. While his main occupation for 23 years was as a technician for Frontier, what Joe loved most was to work building homes together with his “heroes” – his father, Harry, and his grandfather, Edward McGowan. Joe also was also skilled at operating heavy equipment.

In addition to his skills as a builder, Joe was quite a talented woodworker. Some of his works included clocks for his mother-in-law and best friend and a hope chest for his step-daughter. Like Joe’s father and grandfather did for him, Joe would also bring his boys – even during their infancy – to whatever worksite Joe was working on at the time. He shared with them his love of construction and their farm just over Polkville Hill, and the farm animals there. When he became a grandfather, Joe did likewise with his grandkids. Prior to his passing, Joe had reunited with someone who he had once dated in high school 36 years prior, Leona Ann Hoag. Soon, they would embark on building a home on Joe’s farm property. Joe and Leona, who survives, were married at the farm by the Rev. Richard Howard.

In addition to his wife, Leona, Joe is survived by his children, Tyler (Alyssa) Dodge, Eric Dodge (Christina Babcock), Alexis Polcare, and Jameson Revoir, all of Norwich; grandchildren, Hunter, McKayleigh, Chase, and Tucker Dodge; siblings, Kim (Brian) Blackman and Scott Dodge (Pam Green); and nieces and nephews, Ashlie (Josh), Jason, Brent, and Courtney. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Mary Ann Dodge.

On May 21, 2020, Joe had one last visit to his farm and, in his casket, took a last ride on his tractor into the barn that he built with his own hands. A graveside service immediately followed at Mt. Hope Cemetery where the Rev. Richard Howard officiated.