Obituaries

Samuel R. Dodson, Jr., 60

Samuel Roy Dodson, Jr., 60, of Lititz, went to his final rest on October 12th, 2012 with his wife and three sons by his side following an arduous but unrelenting struggle with Stage IV Melanoma.  The Hospice of Lancaster County provided care and support during his final days.

Samuel was born in Lancaster on June 12, 1952 to the late Samuel R. Dodson Sr and the late Janet Braas Dodson and was a life-long resident of Manheim Township.  He attended Lancaster Catholic High School, and graduated from Manheim Township High School in 1970 and Millersville University in 1974 with a BA in History.  During the next 38 years, he excelled as a sales associate for several home improvement and financial services institutions, including LM Martin, NASE Insurance, Knox Financial Group, and Home National Mortgage.  In 2003, he founded Old Guard Mortgage and Financial Services, which specialized in home mortgages for credit-challenged applicants and home buyer education.  While he was frequently acknowledged for his sales performance, he was renowned for his compassionate and understanding approach to each client, assisting every person who approached him for help and advice. He informally retired in 2011 to focus on his cancer treatments.

"Sammy D" was perpetually active in his community by coaching baseball for nearly 25 years, serving on the Manheim Township School Board for 10 years, and serving extended stays on the MT Baseball Association, the MT Parks and Recreation, and the Overlook Foundation Boards. In addition, he is a past president and member of the Lafayette Lions Club.  His most important service to the community was his role as "second father" to the friends of his children, as the Dodson home was often the site of countless family dinners, movie nights, and lengthy back porch conversations.  As a father and husband, Sam was a caring, jovial, quick-witted optimist who insisted on pointing out the silver-lining of even the most dire situations.  There was never a wasted day, never a dull moment, and he relished every bit of his life right until the end.

In his free time, Sam focused on his wife, his sons, his granddaughter, and the circle of people that surrounded them. His off-hours were filled with thousands of movies, Phillies and Eagles games, APBA baseball, John Tiller strategy games, 5000+ piece puzzles, games of catch with his sons, never-ending home renovations, and hundreds of athletic and theater events his children took part in.  Though he traveled to many corners of the globe, his heart always remained in Rehoboth Beach, DE, where family and friends have vacationed together for nearly 30 years and will ultimately be his final resting place. 

After his terminal diagnosis was received in December of 2011, Samuel was blessed with an incredible outpouring of support from family, friends, and the local community. Everyone’s contributions, which allowed for family vacations to Disney World, Rehoboth Beach, and New England, not to mention the countless meals, words of encouragement, and thoughtfulness, were much appreciated. With your love and support, we were able to maximize our time with our husband, father, and friend, and for that we are eternally grateful.

Samuel is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Regina Martin Dodson, of Lititz; son Ryan Christopher and wife Sacha, of Lancaster; son Thomas Courtney and wife Tiffany, and Sam’s granddaughter Mallory of Lititz; son Paul Samuel, of Lititz, currently attending college in Boston; and family friend who was loved as a daughter, Amber Nauman, of Lititz, attending school in Philadelphia. He is also survived by brother Michael and wife Patricia, of Lancaster; and sister Diana and her caretaker Beth Miller, of Lancaster, as well as countless in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Preceding him in death is his brother Mark Dodson.

Relatives, friends, and associates are invited to attend a visitation to be held on Thursday, October 18th from 9:30 to 11:30, which will be followed by a ceremony and eulogy by officiant Dr. Kevin Singer in the chapel of Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Drive, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA, 17604, or to any neighbor, organization, or individual in need of assistance, in memory of Sam.  To place a condolence online, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100

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Condolences to the Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Every conversation and encounter with Sam for the last 20 years was a wonderful experience.  He was quick with a smile or joke and always had a great way with our children.  He was a vast resource on lifes knowledge and was always willing to share his experiences.  More importantly, he was the ultimate family man and a terrific role model for his sons.  He will sorely be missed. 

All our love,
Linda and Greg Cardina

I have not seen or even spoken to any members of the Dodson family in 14 years but I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about Sam’s passing. My daughter Ashley and Tom were friends growing up as we lived across the street and I got to know Regina and Sam through the kids. Memories of Sam’s life will always be in your hearts and when I think of him I will remember him as a great father and a kind, helpful neighbor. I live in Lewes, DE now and when I read of your fondness for Rehoboth Beach I smiled. I love it here too. Thinking of all of you in this time of sadness.

Anne Pikolas

Dear Regina and Ryan,
I was shocked when I sat down for lunch today and opened the newspaper to be confronted by Sam’s obituary. If there was ever a man who exuded life this was it. I loved to argue politics with him when we worked in the same office and I can still hear his laugh every time someone said something that could have an alternate, naughty,  meaning. I know he loved his family so much. He talked about you all the time and he especially cherished the time he spent with his granddaughter. He had so many people that counted him as friend, myself among them although I had not seen him in a while, but we will all miss him. I wish I could have been there to offer my condolences in person. Please know that I will be thinking of you and hoping that you will soon pass through this difficult time.
With sympathy,
Marsha Ruttkay

Our sincere sympathies to Regina and family from Allan Bewley and family (Wenger’s Flowers)
% Cathy Martin

I was so sorry to read of the loss of Sam. I only knew him for a few years but I always looked forward to talking with him at work. He will surely be missed by all who knew him. God Bless.

Dick Geiter

We were so saddened to read of Sam’s passing. We will always remember with fondness all of the fun times we had during MT Baseball. May God give you peace and strength thru this most difficult time.

Ed and Patti Swoboda
Joel Swoboda
Whitney Esbenshade
Neil Swoboda

Dear Dodson Family,

I am so saddened to hear about the loss of Sam. The world has lost a very special man and one of the most caring people I’ve ever known. The good news is that Sam is now at Home with His Father, and I’m sure knowing Sam he is having a good time 🙂 Regina, Ryan, Tom, and Paul, May you all be blessed in this time of grief and I will pray for you all as you heal from this devastating loss. I love you all and just know that Sam would want you all to smile and know he is at peace.

May many blessings come your way!!

Ryan Scott

Dear Dodson Family,

I shall miss his sense of humor and very agile wit. I will remember hime in my prayers.

Larry Fagan

My sincere condolences to each of you. I worked with Sam for many years and have great memories of him. The mortgage world will never be the same without the compassion that Sam showed each of His clients.

Sincerely,
Jim Mahler, Jr.

My deepest sympathy to the Dodson family. Until we meet again, rest in peace "Sammy D."

Jonathan Dochterman

I was so shocked to hear of Sam’s passing after such a tough fight.  Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.  I pray that your wonderful memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.  Please give Mallory a great big hug from me.  My heart breaks for her and all of you.  God Bless!
Shelby Witmer

I am so saddened to hear of your great loss. My prayers and sympathies go out to you.

Sam was a remarkable man. In addition to his witty sense of humor, eternal optimism and limitless patience (especially with me!), I will always admire and remember Sam as a loving husband to Regina and a wonderful father to Ryan, Tom, and Paul.

Personally, he was a very special person in my life and taught me many things that are too lengthy to count here. I value his friendship and consider myself lucky to have known him. Dear Dodson family, the friendships we all shared together, with Sam as the cornerstone, will be a high mark in my life.

My deepest condolences,

Gerard B. Walsh
Harrisburg, PA

Dear Dodson Family,

     I’m saddened to hear of your great loss. Sam had a profound effect on my personal and professional life as he did with everyone wherever he went. Years have passed since we all worked together, but I can easily say I haven’t laughed so hard or nearly as often as I did when in his company. Many times he didn’t even have to utter a word and I was in stitches! He would just give a look or make a face! 
     When I think of him now I’ll smile and remember his strength, brilliance, remarkable warmth and that ever-present sense of humor. I feel fortunate to have been his friend.

With love and heartfelt condolences,

Paul M. Walsh
Dillsburg, PA

Regina and family,
I am so sorry for your loss and for that of the community. Sam was really special. He will leave a huge void but also many wonderful contributions and memories. I admire your courage and grace through these past very trying months. Regina, you have especially been such an example to us all and I know you were a wonderful comfort to Sam, as was the entire family. My prayers are with all of you for peace in the hard times now and to come. I will be especially thinking of you during the service while I am with my dad in Nebraska.
-Sally Singer

Dear Dodson Family, especially Paul, I was so sorry to read of the loss of Sam. Hew was such a wonderful person, always so upbeat, personable and friendly. I am so glad the last time was spent in such an outpouring of love and time spent to make the most of those last moments together. Know that God has his arms around all of you and Sam will always be around you.  Most sincerely,
Kathy Spangler

To the Dodson Family,
My deepest sympathy to your family over the lost of Sam, Husband, Father and Brother. Having known Sam over the years he was always warm and friendly. I am sorry for not being able to attend his service, but prior commitments would not allow me to do so. My prays are with you during these hard times. So if there is anything I can do during these times feel free to call.
Sincerely,
Dominic F. Russo

To the Dodson Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you following the passing of Coach Dodson. I can remember all of the great times during my very young baseball career when he was a role model for me and numerous other kids on our baseball teams. He always exhibited great enthusiasm, provided great insight, and always knew how to make people laugh. The lessons he taught will forever be spread throughout the community that he will forever be a part of.

Sincerely,

Scott Sallade

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