William "Bill" Brunson Dodge Sr., 101, passed away on July 12, 2012, at The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich.
Bill was was born on June 21, 1911, in Mystic, the son of Jenny (Brunson) Dodge and Charles Cottrell Dodge.
He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Connor) Dodge and his youngest daughter, Georgiana Cottrell Dodge.
He is survived by his oldest daughter, Juliet Miller Dodge of Lancaster, Pa.; and his son, William Brunson Dodge Jr. "Brunson" and his wife, Elaine, of Gales Ferry. He is also survived by Brunson's daughter, Christina Abigail "Nina" Dodge and her husband, Matthew Leibowitz, of Encinitas, Calif.; and by Georgiana's son, Jesse William Dodge of Providence.
Bill was educated in local schools and pursued a lifelong passion for sailing. He was for many years the head of his family's company, The Cottrell Lumber Co., which was located at the site of the Mystic River Park. He was a member of many clubs, sailing organizations, and civic groups, a list of which would take up many column inches. It suffices to say, there was not a flat surface in the Dodge house that did not have at least one of Bill's trophies on it, and that his wallet held so many membership cards there was hardly room for lunch money.
Calling hours will be held beginning at 10 a.m on Thursday, July 19, 2012, in the library of the Mystic Congregational Church. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial at the family plot in Elm Grove Cemetery will follow the service for those who care to attend.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill's name be made to a youth sailing program of your choice or to the Friends of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra (ECSO), 289 State St., New London, CT 06320.
To share a message of remembrance or condolence, please click the link below.