David Charles Dodge, 49, of Topsail Island, NC, formerly of Newcastle, died unexpectedly on Nov. 9 in Wilmington, NC. Born in Damariscotta on April 6, 1960, he was the son of Charles W. Dodge and Lucille Dodge Putnam.
A graduate of Lincoln Academy, he was an active player on the ice hockey team, which he continued to do for some years, playing on the local team “Bud’s Bubs”. In addition to hockey, he also loved football, and was a lifelong New York Jets fan. After graduating from SMVTI, he worked in the area as an auto mechanic. He last worked as a commercial parts pro in Sneads Ferry, NC, winning over many clients and local folks who were determined that they could turn their Yankee friend into a Southerner if they worked hard enough.
David married his devoted Sweetie Pie, Maria, in May of 1991 and together they raised their beautiful daughter, Justina. He was her OF and she was his YF. David was very proud of his girl and they always had a good time teasing each other, and Maria. David and Maria moved to Topsail Island in 2008 and he immediately fell in love with his new “life on vacation”. He enjoyed the warm weather and waking up to the ocean and completely embraced becoming a Carolinian. Some of his favorite, and best, times were on his annual trips to visit his brother Brian and sister Ruthie and attending car races. He was particularly proud of his nephew Scott who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was like a son to David.
David was predeceased by his father, Charles W. Dodge Jr., and recently by his beloved Bulldogge, Tillie.
He is survived by his wife, Maria; daughter, Justina and partner, Jay Bilodeau; cats, Muffin and Willie White Shoes; mother, Lucille Putnam and stepfather, Larry; brother, Brian E. Dodge and his wife Ruth; sisters, Julie Hallowell and husband Danny, Lynne Dodge and husband Scott, and Nancy Dodge Farrin and husband, Paul; nephew Scott C. Dodge II; niece, Jennifer Hallowell McKane and husband Sumner; niece, Carrie Dodge Pendleton and husband CJ; nephews, Christopher M. Hallowell, Zachary Farrin, and Joshua Farrin; four grand-nieces and one grand-nephew; as well as his mother and father-in-law, Vincent and BarbaraAnne and a brother-in-law, Andrew.
David was sent on his way in style thanks to the fine craftsmanship of dear friends, Dennis and Marie Walsh. Visiting hours Nov. 13 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home in Damariscotta.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Pender Volunteer EMS and Rescue, PO Box 650, Rocky Point, NC 28457.
