Richard H. Dodge

Richard H. “Dick” Dodge, of Saugus, and formerly longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at Aberjona Nursing Center in Winchester on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at age 89.

Richard was born in Melrose on July 27, 1934, one of four sons of the late Bertram Dodge and Frances (Chapman) Dodge. Raised in Melrose, he graduated from Melrose High School, and served his country proudly as an Airman First Class in the United States Air Force from 1953 until an honorable discharge in 1957. On April 5, 1957, he married his beloved wife Janet Beard and they settled in Melrose to raise a family of three sons.

In 1961, Dick founded a successful electrical contracting firm Dodge Electric, which he operated in Melrose for over 20 years before passing the torch onto his son. Dodge Electric, now known as SR Dodge Inc. is still a family owned and operated business today.

With a strong passion for the game, Dick was a member of Bellevue Golf Club in Melrose for over 50 years and a longtime member of Imperial Golf Club in Naples, Florida. He was also a longtime member of Melrose Rotary Club where he served as President, and a member of Wyoming Masonic Lodge AF&AM in Melrose. Dick enjoyed time spent in New Hampshire when his children were young, and later on Cape Cod before enjoying retirement with time split between Saugus and Naples, FL where he played golf, and enjoyed boating.

Dick was a straight shooter with a determined, sharp mind. He was known for his great sense of humor, pride in all things America, and dedication to family. He will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered by all those he touched.

Dick was the beloved husband of Janet (Beard) Dodge with whom he shared 66 years of marriage. Devoted father of Richard H. Dodge, Jr. of San Francisco, CA, Steven Dodge and his wife Lynne of Melrose, and David Dodge of Saugus. Dear brother of Robert Dodge of Reading, Donald Dodge of Bedford, and the late David Dodge. Loving grandfather of Lindsay, Emily, and Alexandra, and great-grandfather of Nate, Jack, and Madelyn. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather in honor of Dick’s life during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Tuesday, January 30 from 10-11am, followed by his Funeral Service at 11am. Interment with military honors by the US Air Force at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. If you wish, donations to honor Richard’s life may be made to the Melrose Family YMCA, 497 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176 or online at www.ymcametronorth.org/locations/melrose-family-ymca For online tribute, please visit www.RobinsonFuneralHome.com