Harry Dodd

Harry Dennis Dodd was suddenly called home on Wednesday March 12, 2014. His loving family was with him when he passed.      Harry was born and raised in Binghamton, NY and most recently lived with his son, daughter-in-law and grandson in Plattsburgh, NY. He worked for Coca-Cola for 35 years in Binghamton, Oneonta and Albany.      He married Carol Reifler on September 2nd, 1961 and the two spent more than 25 years together until she passed in 1988.      Harry took great pride in his immediate and extended family. He loved watching his grandchildren grow up and was very proud of all their accomplishments. He was able to witness all of their high school graduations and celebrated many other special occasions with them. Known as Uncle Harry to his extended family, he was the conduit for family news. He worked very hard to keep his family connected and would often carry newspaper clippings, report cards and other news items from one family member to another on his frequent drives between Plattsburgh, Binghamton, Oneonta and Greene. He made it a point to attend the special occasions of his nieces and nephews all over the country.     Harry was a big college basketball fan and was known to stay up late into the night watching games from all parts of the country. Depending on the night his beloved Syracuse Orangemen were either the worst team he ever saw, or the best. March Madness was among his favorite times of year. In Binghamton and Oneonta he was known as a star bowler and fast-pitch softball pitcher, throwing a perfect game in in 1979. Even after he stopped playing sports himself he enjoyed watching baseball, football and basketball – particular the games in which his grandchildren were playing. After retiring, Harry developed a love of cooking and baking. Friends and family came to expect a steady diet of delicious cookies, brownies and pies. He also had a particularly green thumb and made sure his homes were adorned with beautiful plants and flowers every Spring. His family was the beneficiary of his talents; he often had dinner waiting when we got home from work or school, always with something sweet to go with it. Even his “experiments” were delicious      His spiritual life was very important to him and was a member/treasurer at Conklin Avenue First Baptist Church in Binghamton and the First Baptist Church on Oak Street Plattsburgh. He was extremely generous with his time, volunteering for Meals on Wheels and many church activities. Harry would always lend a hand when there was work to be done and loved working on projects large and small. Harry was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Johnson City Lodge, for more than 50 years.      Harry is survived by his son Timothy Michael and wife Cheryl Marie of Plattsburgh, grandchildren Trisha Marie Lewis, Michael Thomas Lewis and Nicholas Dennis Dodd of Plattsburgh, a sister, Dorlene Moore and husband Ralph of Maryland, NY, sister Carole Thiesies and Husband Gunter of Arvada, Colorado, brother George of Binghamton, NY, Brothers in Law Doug (Barbara) and William Reifler of Binghamton, NY, Don (Yolanda) Whipple of San Antonio, Texas, dear friend Carol Zurenda of Binghamton NY, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his long-time companion Katie Sands of Greene, NY.        Harry is predeceased by his wife of 27 years, Carol (Reifler), his parents, Harold John Dodd and Claudine Anna Dodd, two sisters, Shirley (Whipple) and Marilyn and his long-time friend Peter Zurenda.      Funeral Services will be held on 11:00 am, Monday, March 17th at Conklin Avenue First Baptist Church with the Reverend Steven Chastain officiating. Interment will follow services in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 pm at the DeMunn Funeral Home, 36 Conklin Avenue in Binghamton on Sunday March 16th. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted to the Carol Marie Dodd Scholarship Fund at Unatego Central School, Unatego Central School, 2641 New York 7, PO Box 483, Otego NY 13825, attention Judy Pitel. To forward condolences please visit www.demunnfh.com.