Stanley G. Hodges passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, after a brief illness, at 100 years old.
An Englishman who became an American, he was a beloved member of the Wellesley community and was one of last old fashioned ‘gentleman’. Unfailingly courteous and well dressed, he acquired admirers where-ever he went with this charm and British accent. Everyone at the bank, Post Office, Town Hall, and local market recognized him and offered a hearty greeting when he arrived.
Stanley was born in Folkstone, England in 1921, but grew up in Paris and was educated in French schools. Miraculously, he survived four years as a civilian prisoner of war during WWII. Afterwards, he completed his college degree at the prestigious Paris university, ‘Ecole Polytechnique’.
Stanley emigrated to America in 1948. He lived with his family in Westwood and returned to college, earning an Accounting degree from Bentley University. This degree led to a thirty-year career with John Hancock in Boston, culminating in a corner office in the Hancock glass tower. He married Mary Evelyn (Meg) Dutton in 1964 and moved to Wellesley in 1965. Living on Morses Pond for 56 years has been a special gift, experiencing the changing seasons with ice skating in the winter, swimming in the summer, racing with the Wellesley Sailing Club, and now the beautiful swans. He also enjoyed hiking with friends in the White Mountains and stayed frequently at the Wonaloncet cabin, as a 30-year member of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).
Once he retired in 1984, a new chapter began. He audited courses at Wellesley College, attending classes two to three days a week for over 15 years, primarily in history and political science. Stanley also volunteered in his town as a 20+ year Town Meeting Member, and a Warden for Precinct G, working all day on each election day. He and Meg were long-time members of the Wellesley Historical Society, holding various leadership roles. They were also active members of the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church. Stan was a former deacon who was involved in the Men’s Breakfast for years. He sat on the Bike Trails Committee, spent time with the Council on Aging; helping seniors file taxes, and even volunteered to work at the Wellesley Women’s Club annual clothing sales. Stanley was happy to be from Wellesley. He often remarked that “Wellesley was a very well-run town”.
His life was rich and well lived, with a long and active retirement spent engaged with both his family and the Wellesley community. He took intense pride, not only in his grandchildren, but also his nieces and nephews, their spouses, and children. He invented many family traditions that are still honored today. And at all times, he was a very proper British Gentleman.
Stanley was predeceased by his loving wife Meg in December 2015. He is survived by his devoted daughter Beth Hodges Olney, her husband Tom and their children Tommy and Matthew, his steadfast son Mark D. Hodges and his daughter Lauren Kate, his nephews Chris Hodges, Greg Schuler, and Greg’s husband Andrew, and his beloved nieces and their families, Pam Hodges with her children Jonathan and Nicole, Andrea Decourcy, her husband Michael and daughter Erica, Gail Schuler her partner Jon, Laura Garceau and her husband Rick and daughter Autumn, Deb Travers, her husband John and children Alex and Rachael, Valerie Schuler, her partner Kevin, and her daughter Kayla.
All are invited to the visitation on Friday, April 16 from 4-8pm at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., Wellesley. The funeral and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stanley’s memory to the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church / organ fund, or a charity of your choice.