George R. Hodgins

Granby- George Raymond Hodgins, 99, passed away on March 17, 2026.  Born on May 24th, 1926, In East Rockaway, New York, George was the son of George F. Hodgins and Annette (Gunthner) Hodgins.  George grew up on Long Island, New York, and moved to Granby, Massachusetts in 1959.  Granby is where he spent the rest of his long and fulfilling life, surrounded by his loving family and many close friends.

Growing up very near Jones Beach, George spent much of his youth by the ocean, becoming an excellent swimmer.  He joined The Long Island Sea Scouts as a young teenager, learning how to navigate sailboats close to shore.  He became an accomplished violinist by the time he reached high school, winning a number of awards in solo violin competition at both the state and national levels.

George served with the United States Army from 1944 through 1946, including postings with The U.S. 5th Army in 1945, and at the Allied Force Headquarters, Caserta, Italy, in 1946.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sargeant.  He studied violin and Chemistry at the University of Florence, Italy, where he had the opportunity to practice on some of the finest violins made at that time.

George received his B.S. in Chemistry from Hofstra University in 1950, and his M.S. in Chemistry from Adelphi University in 1958.  He began his working career at Litho Chemical Company as laboratory director from 1950-1959, where he authored a number of patents relating to lithographic printing.  From 1959 -1991, George worked at Technifax, Scott Graphics, and James River Graphics Companies, where he authored several patents relating to photoimaging technologies.  He also served as Contract Manager in a series of Air Force research programs, to develop new photoimaging technologies for aerial and satellite reconnaissance.  From 1991-2001 he was vice-president of RH Consulting, where he contributed to the development of new photoimaging and printing technologies using laser imaging.

Over the years, he greatly enjoyed being involved with many local orchestras and singing groups, including The UMass Orchestra, The Greenfield Symphony, The Holyoke Civic Symphony, The South Hadley Chorale, and The Pioneer Valley Chordsmen.  He was also a devoted and long-time member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Granby, where he served as Choir Director for over 30 years.  And what fun he had being a member of The Granby Lions Club for over 30 years as well, working his way up to “King Lion”!

George’s favorite pastime was gardening, and what a fabulous gardener he was.  His amazing flower beds were a sight to behold!  He had many great memories of family skiing trips, hiking, swimming, and golfing, especially with his wife Nancy and his children.  His happiest times were when he was surrounded by his family, his grandchildren, and many of his close friends.

George is survived by his son, Douglas Hodgins, and his wife Elizabeth, and his daughter Jillian (Hodgins) Menard, all of Granby.  He was sadly predeceased by his wife Nancy, his son Thomas, and his granddaughter Bridget. He also lost his dear brother, Fred Hodgins, in 2015.  He leaves behind six grandsons: Liam, Nolan, Nicholas, Hayden, Joey, and Cody, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Thursday April 9, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Beers and Story Funeral Home, 646 Newton Street, South Hadley, MA.  Funeral service immediately following.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Granby, MA.