Cyril S. Hodgeman Jr.

READING — Cyril S. Hodgeman Jr., 88, a former longtime resident of Reading, and a resident of the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington for the past five years, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.

He was born April 7, 1924, in South Woodstock, the son of Cyril “Sam” and Hazel Belle (Clay) Hodgeman.

He received his schooling in Reading and Springfield, and graduated from Springfield High School in 1942. He later completed graduate courses in Springfield.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II on the USS Vulcan while learning the trade of Pattern Maker. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Vermont.

He married Bessie M. Gonyea in Brownsville on Nov. 20, 1947.

He apprenticed in the machine tool industry under the late Winston Churchill of Cornish at Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield, and retired from Lucas Industries in Springfield in 1976.

He was a member of the Reading Volunteer Fire Department and the American Legion Post #25 in Windsor, the Disabled Veterans of America and the Blind Veterans of America.

He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing, hunting and listening to music and audio books.

Survivors include a daughter, Cyrilla H. Prescott of Manchester, N.H.; a brother, Stanley H. Hodgeman of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

His wife of 62 years died on April 23, 2009. He was also predeceased by a son, Cedric Sheldon Hodgeman in 1951.

At his request,a graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring in the Brownsville Cemetery in West Windsor.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post #25, PO Box 540, Windsor, VT 05089.

The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor is in charge of arrangements.Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.