Bernard Hodkey, 89, U.S. Army Veteran

He was born in Lorain on July 22, 1926 and remained a life-long resident of the city.

A World War II veteran of the United States Army, he fulfilled duty assignments as a Technician Fifth Grade attached to the 15th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron in Europe. He was the recipient of the Army Occupation Medal (Germany), the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, The World War II Victory Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of American Legion Post 30, VFW Post # 451, Amvets Post 47, and Italian-American Veterans Post # 1, as well as the former Post # 38 of the P.L.A.V.

Mr. Hodkey was employed by the Lorain Telephone Company and its successor, Centel. He worked as an inside foreman of maintenance there where he installed switch room equipment. He retired following thirty five years of service.

Prior to his induction into the military, he signed a contract to play professional baseball with the Boston Red Sox. Locally, he was a standout player with teams sponsored by Yale Clothes, Lawson Lumber, and Kirby’s. He also played softball for Fatty’s Sports and Campana’s and won recognition as the most valuable player in the Blue Ribbon Softball Tournament.

Bernie enjoyed fishing and league bowling in his free time as well as following the Cleveland Indians, Browns, and Ohio State Buckeyes. He also enjoyed liked time with his family.

He is survived by his daughter Kim Roush (Tim) of Lorain, along with grandchildren Erik, Heather, Lindsay, Sarah, Emily, and Niki. He also leaves six great grandchildren. Mr. Hodkey was preceded in death by his wife Nola Jean (nee Waters) in 2004, by his son Dennis, by his daughter Gayle Sova, and by his parents Albert and Mary (nee Warner) Hodkey.

Please join his family at 10:00 a.m. on Friday for the celebration of his Mass of Christian Burial in Nativity BVM Catholic Church, 1454 Lexington Avenue. Reverend Robert Glepko, pastor of the parish will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the members of the Louis Paul Proy Chapter # 20 of the Disabled American Veterans.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to New Life Hospice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, Lorain. Visit www.gluvna.net to share your condolences with Bernie’s family.