GLOUCESTER – George A. Dodge, 79, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 8, 2014, in the Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with his daughter, Suzen and son-in-law, Steven by his side.
Born in Gloucester on June 7, 1935, he was the son of the late Lawrence Dodge and the late Natalie (Shute) Dodge Callen.
He joined the U.S. Navy in 1952 and was on the USS Dickson and then the USS Samuel B. Roberts as a Gunner's Mate Third Class where he received the National Defense Service Medal. He volunteered to go to Antarctica for Operation Deep Freeze IV from 1958-1959 where he assisted in scientific exploration to establish territorial boundaries for the United States and to develope those areas. He and the others braved the dangers of severe weather which exceeded 122 degrees below zero and worked in two twelve hour shifts around the clock during the six months of light to accomplish their mission before extreme cold weather and six months of darkness set in.
He was employed as a machinist for Gloucester Engineering and later worked at GE Aircraft Engine Group in Lynn.
George enjoyed traveling about town on his scooter, visiting Solomon Jacobs Park and the boulevard, often stopping to chat along the way. He enjoyed going for drives which usually ended up at a restaurant for lunch and dessert. He loved animals, especially his cat, Alfie.
He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Suzen Dodge-Teto and Steven Teto; special and dear friend, Kathleen Wilson-Morris and her family; brother, Lawrence Dodge; sister, Nancy Dodge and a daughter, Samantha Dodge. He was also predeceased by two brothers, Robert and John “Jack” Dodge.
In keeping with his wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930.