Samuel F. Hodgdon Jr., “Sam”, 88, of Moultonborough, NH, died peacefully Saturday, January 13th, 2018 surrounded by family. He was born on May 13, 1929 in Milan, NH, to Samuel F. Hodgdon Sr. and Marjorie Harriman. Sam was predeceased by his sisters, Beulah, Pauline, Laura, Geraldine, Marlene and Patricia. He grew up in Milan and Berlin, NH, and moved to Moultonborough at the age of 13. Sam served in the U.S. Navy between October 1950 and August 1954 as a Gunners Mate onboard the USS Tarawa. He earned several medals including the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal Korea, and Navy Occupation Service Medal. He served a second tour from August 1956 to August 1960 as a Gunners Mate onboard the USS Lake Champlain. During this time, Sam met his beloved Carmen in Barcelona, Spain and were wed on September 21, 1960 in Motril, Spain. After his service in the U.S. Navy, he was employed as a machinist at Scott & Williams in Laconia, NH, and head of custodial services for the Moultonborough School District. Sam and Carmen settled in Moultonborough where they raised four girls and were married 44 years until her passing in June 2004. As an avid gardener and outdoorsman, Sam embraced every opportunity to share his knowledge with his daughters and grandchildren who were often by his side. Sam reminisced of times spent logging in the White Mountains with his father whom he also cherished as his best friend. Upon retirement from the Moultonborough School District, Sam and Carmen travelled back to Barcelona, Spain where they visited family, friends and the place they first met. Sam also enjoyed driving to Berlin accompanied by his girls and grandchildren. He is survived by his four daughters, Marjorie, Rachel, Jacqueline and Lydia, grandchildren Daisy, Carmela, Marjorie, Octave, Andrew, Alexander and great grandchildren, Amaya, Bai, David and Darwin, many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held at Mayhew Funeral Home, 204 D.W. Highway, Meredith, NH 03253 from 1pm-3pm on Saturday, January 20, 2018. Graveside Service with Military Honors at Red Hill Cemetery is planned for Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 11am. The Mayhew Funeral Home 204 Daniel Webster Highway is assisting the family with arrangements.