Charles F. Dodge, Jr.

Charles F. Dodge, Jr., 86, formerly of Denmark Street in Berlin, NH, peacefully passed away on February 3, 2024, at St. Vincent de Paul Nursing Center in Berlin. Chuck was born on June 23, 1939, in Dover, NH, to Charles F. Dodge, Sr. and Dorothy Ethel Hunter. He had a delightful upbringing surrounded by his loving siblings.  After graduating high school, Chuck eagerly enlisted in the armed forces where he served with pride and valor until receiving an honorable discharge and heading to Montana where he met his first wife. However, it was not long before Chuck felt the soft tug of home and, upon returning to Keene, NH, welcomed two children: Thena Dodge Feucht and Paul Dodge.  After the dissolution of his first marriage, Chuck briefly settled in Dover, NH, where he met the love of his life, Rose M. Dunham.  Chuck and Rose were soon married, and moved to Rose's hometown of Berlin, NH, where they lived very happily for the remainder of their lifetimes. Chuck and Rose shared one son, Charles A. Dodge, who Chuck deeply adored.  Chuck suffered the tremendous loss of his beloved son “Chuck” in 2014 and Rose in 2016.      

Chuck loved Berlin, NH, and he spent the better part of his lifetime in service to his City and her residents. Chuck pursued a respectable and successful career as a police officer with the Berlin City Police Department. Chuck always had the police scanner scanning, and that part of him never faded. Once retired, Chuck worked at the local food market and served as a driver for the Berlin City cab company.  He was actively involved in both local and national politics, regularly campaigning for various Democratic candidates.  He also served on the Berlin planning board for an extended period.  After suffering the devastating loss of his son, Chuck, and wife, Rose, Chuck became passionately dedicated to his Parish, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, seeking a deeper connection to those he had cherished and lost, and finding solace in his faith and his Church community.  Chuck particularly valued his time volunteering with the Special Olympics, enthusiastically supporting the athletes on numerous trips.  Chuck had a passion for cooking and golfing, often preparing delectable dishes for events at his Parish.  Chuck loved playing cards and bowling with his friends.  Everyone knew Chuck to be the funniest man. His jovial presence, love of joking, and ability to make people laugh were among his most endearing qualities. There is no doubt that Chuck will be fondly remembered for his brilliant sense of humor. It will be the kindness of his heart, however, for which he will be dearly missed.  

Chuck is survived by his granddaughters, Emily and Amie Dodge, who meant the world to him, and their mother, his daughter-in-law, Lori Dodge, of Salem, Massachusetts; along with family from his first marriage, including his daughter, Thena Dodge Feucht (Idaho); son, Paul Dodge (Montana), and five grandchildren: Tiffany Nale (Montana), John Dodge (Montana), Michael Dodge (Montana), Renee Fortune (Tennessee), and Shawn Fortune (Idaho). Chuck was further blessed with eight great-grandchildren.  Chuck held immense love and pride for his entire family, cherishing the bond they shared despite the distance that may have separated them.  He treasured his friends, adored his Church community, and sincerely appreciated those who assisted and cared for him.  

For us, we cannot help but grieve for we have lost a kind and generous soul.  For Chuck, however, we celebrate.  His journey has led him home once more – where his Rose and their beloved “Chuckie” stood waiting with open arms.  Keep everyone laughing and play lots of cards until we get there. Rest in peace, joy, and love, dear friend.  You’re home.    

Rev. Betsy Hess will officiate a Memorial Service on Friday, March 8^th at 1:00pm at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Avenue, Berlin, NH.  Observation of Interment to follow at Russian City Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to gather for a reception in Chuck’s honor hosted by St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2 High Street, Berlin, NH.