Mr. Richard David "Rick" "Dodgie" Dodge

UTICA - Mr. Richard David "Rick" "Dodgie" Dodge, age 69, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Monday, July 3, 2023, with his family and friends by his side. Born in Oneonta on April 7, 1954, Richard attended and graduated from Cooperstown Central School in 1972, moving to Utica shortly after in 1973. He then attended MVCC, where he graduated in 1976 with an Associate Degree in Business. On September 28, 1979, Richard wed the former Mary Theresa Falbo at St. Agnes Church and they shared in a beautiful union of over 43 years. Their dedication, love, and respect were evident and felt in all that they did and overcame together. Family values were a central part of their marriage and made for a quality life and relationships. Richard was known to be a hardworking man, having various construction jobs locally through the late 70's to the early 80's. In 1986, Richard began a career working at the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. He started as a Road Deputy, leading into him becoming a Criminal Investigator, as well as an Investigator with the Sexual Abuse Task Force. Richard was humbled to receive various awards throughout his career including Deputy of the Year, the Grand Cordon Award, and the Life Saving Award. Richard was known to love unconditionally, there was no such thing as an “in-law” to him, you were just family whether it was biologically or not. Gathering and “sharing fellowship” was something that was very important to him, especially when it involved cooking and imparting knowledge on others - which he loved to do. At heart, he was a teacher and a supporter to those that he loved and made sure to pass down any words of wisdom when he could. His friends called him “The Warrior” as he never complained, even when times were tough, and always said "I feel good." He had an ability to connect with others, and also advocate for them. Richard’s presence in a room was commanding and as hard shelled as he may have seemed on the outside, it was clear deep down that he was a gentle giant. Everybody was family to him, including his friends that he held close to his heart. The proudest moment of his life was when he officiated the wedding for his son and daughter-in-law, Nicholas and Melanie. Richard completely idolized his children and grandchildren and there were no limits to what he would do for any of them. To say that Richard was heavily active in his community would be an understatement. He taught various classes at MVCC, including the Child Abuse, School Violence, and Security Guard Courses. He was a basketball coach and Cub Scout Master at Albany Street School, an East Utica Little and Minor League coach, an Associate Member of the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department, a Religious Educator at St Agnes Church and established the tradition of Living Stations of the Cross in conjunction with Angela Obernesser. He was the Head Trustee of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #97, and a member of many golf leagues there, where his shining golf moment was getting a hole-in-one on both Holes 7 and 9. Aside from his deep love of golf, Richard enjoyed photography, bocce, bowling, woodworking, shuffleboard, hunting and fishing. Richard is survived by his beloved wife who never left his side, Mary Theresa; his sons and their loves, Richard Dodge, Jr. and Christina Christmas, and Nicholas and Melanie Dodge, who are in 2 weeks expecting to welcome Poppi’s next grandchild (that only he knows the name and gender of!). Left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, who now have the best guardian angel, Luella Dodge, Richie Dodge, Kaydence Christmas, and J.D. Christmas; in-laws, Filomain and Joseph Talerico, Kimberly Falbo, and Neal and Shirleen McManus; nieces and nephews, Alyssa and Dominic Tripp, Cory and Jackie McDowell, and Jon McManus; great-nieces and great-nephews, Cole and Ella McDowell, and Sawyer and Parker McManus. He is also survived by his grand dog, Lucy, who he deeply treasured. Richard had many dear friends that he held close to his heart including Dick and Rita Scavo, Rick and Gail Lewis, Joe and Kathy Barilla, Jim and Sandy St. John, Butch and Patty Staffo, his golf partner Bob Iffert, and Chuck Clinksman. Richard was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, David and Angie Skellie; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Stella Falbo; brother-in-law, Santo Falbo; and his great-niece, Juliet Tripp. Gratitude is extended on behalf of the Dodge family to all the physicians, nurses, and staff involved in his care, especially at the MVHS Infusion Center and the 6th Floor Oncology Unit. A very special thank you to Doctors E. Wassel, Desai, Butala, and DeTraglia. Richard’s family will honor and commemorate his life privately. Memorial contributions in Richard’s honor may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society online at www.givenow.lls.org; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate. "Gotta pee, gotta pee!"

Mr. Richard David "Rick" "Dodgie" Dodge

April 7, 1954 - July 3, 2023