Norman J. Dodge

ATHOL - Norman J. Dodge passed away on Saturday, September 1st, at St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester. His loving wife of 44 years, Maryanne; their daughter, Joanne Johnson and her husband, Eric were by his side. He was born in Athol on August 5, 1941 to Dwight Edward Dodge and Esther Carolyn Jones and lived in Athol most of his life, only briefly residing in Vermont, Washington State and Florida. After graduating from Athol High School in 1960 he joined the Massachusetts National Guard and trained in Fort Dix, New Jersey and thereafter completed two weeks training yearly at Ft. Drum, New York until fulfilling his term of duty in 1963. He worked in the printing field most of his life, retiring in 1997. He enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, listening to books on tape, and was a huge fan of the Boston Red Socks. His day usually started with his morning trip to Country Convenience for his daily coffee, Boston Herald, lively conversation and camaraderie. In the sixties, he spent much of his free time candlepin bowling at Star Alleys next to Bob & Omer's, where he met and fell in love with his future wife, the former Maryanne Batutis. An accomplished bowler, he was a member of a league that traveled Western Massachusetts bowling in tournaments and winning top prizes and trophies. Later on, in the 1970's, his interest changed to Ten Pin Bowling, and he belonged to a team at Gardner Ten Pins. But his greatest enjoyment in life was bass fishing, a sport he shared with his nephew, best friend and fishing partner, Neil Dodge. Ever the competitor, in the 1980's and '90's he belonged to the Central Mass Bass Anglers and individually, and in partnership with Neil, fished and won many tournaments throughout the state. Highlighting just a few of his tournament successes, in 1984 Norman and Neil took 2nd place at the Bay State Bass Masters Open at Webster Lake and 2nd place in a C.M.H.H. tournament. During the 1985 CMBA tournament trail they won lst place and Norman also was awarded a trophy for weighing in with the largest fish. In August of 1986 they won lst place at the AC-Delco Open at Bartons Cove, then again in July of 1987 took lst place at the AC-Delco Open, West Division, at the Connecticut River in Chicopee. Also, in June of '87 they came in 3rd place at the Marina Char-Is-Mar Open Western Division Lake Quinsigamond, and at one point, Dodge and Dodge ranked tenth in the state. He was predeceased by his two older brothers, Dwight and Arthur Dodge. His surviving siblings, Alice and Bruce, live in Vermont. He leaves behind several nieces, nephews and his greatest joy, his five-year-old grandson, Kolby Johnson, . . . and much to grandpa's dismay, a "Yankee Fan". Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. For more information or to sign the online guest book please visit www.murphysfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the J. Edward Murphy Funeral Home. $(document).ready(function(){ });