Timothy W. "Hodgie" Hodge Sr.

Timothy W. “Hodgie” Hodge Sr.

Oriskany Falls-Timothy W. Hodge Sr., 59, affectionately known by all as Hodgie, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, following his courageous battle against cancer, early Saturday morning on January 7, 2023.

He was born in Utica on December 29, 1963. He was raised by his loving parents James and Joan (Dorety) Nellenbach.  Tim grew up in Bridgewater and was a graduate of Mount Markham High School. He had made his career at Hanson Aggregates. His skills as a loader operator, earned the reputation of being one the safest and best operators at the plant. Tim had also worked at the Utica-Rome Speedway as a member of the track prep crew. He truly loved being at the track and his job of driving the track packer truck, to Tim, it was more fun than work.  Following his diagnosis, Tim made personal goals for himself before cancer took his life. His was able to walk his daughter Dylanne down the aisle to marry her husband, Chad Golas in January of 2022.  Tim was able to celebrate his son Timothy Jr.’s wedding to his wife Alison in October of 2022.  Following the wedding Tim enjoyed traveling with the whole family on Tim Jr’s honeymoon cruise. He was a 27 year member of the Oriskany Falls Fire Department, currently holding the office of Vice President.  He was also a past member of the Bridgewater Fire Department.  He was a member of the Kelley Phillips Post 569, Sons of the American Legion.  He had several passions to include: playing cards, drinks on the front porch, and racing.  He loved summers camping at Lebanon Reservoir Camp Ground and playing shuffleboard.  Tim was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of going to Daytona, FL. Tim was an inspiration to all, his love and caring for all will last us a lifetime.

Tim leaves behind his wife Jolee Rifenburg; his children: Timothy Jr. and his wife Alison; Dylanne and her husband Chad; his step daughter Destiney LaBarge and her husband Joe.  He also is survived his canine grand-dog Beau.  He is also survived by his siblings: James (Jennifer) Nellenbach, Harry Hodge, Geraldine (Dan) Haggerty and Loretta (Randy) Case.  Tim is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.

He was predeceased by both his parents Jim and Joan.

A special heartfelt thanks for the outstanding care and compassion to Dr. Alina Basnet and Alyssa Bardenett, PA, along with all the nurses at the Adult Hematology Oncology Unit at Upstate Cancer Center in Syracuse.  Without all of you, he would not have achieved any of his personal goals.

There will be a celebration of Tim’s life to held on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the Oriskany Falls Kelley Phillips American Legion Post # 569 starting at 1 PM. Interment will be made at a later date in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.  Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Paul Funeral Home of Madison.  To offer a condolence or share a memory please visit: paulfuneralhome.net

Please no flowers, but consider a donation to help others locally; to Believe 271, 9565 Main Street, Holland Patent, New York 13354.

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