Obituaries

Thomas C. Dodson

Thomas C. Dodson passed away with family by his side on Saturday, August 5, due to complications caused by alcoholism. We are grateful his struggles with addiction and mental health are finally over. Despite the challenges of the last few years, we love him very much and will miss him dearly as we fondly remember the first four decades of his life.

Tom was born on September 3, 1979, in Lancaster and was a lifelong resident of the area. After graduating from Manheim Township High School, he attended the University of Richmond and graduated from Elon University. After college, his career included numerous family endeavors in mortgages, real estate investing, and painting contracting. Tom had an aptitude for efficient, hard work and never took his job too seriously; there was always time for a joke, a prank, or a detour to explore on the way to a job site. His bizarre and silly humor made him one of the funniest people you would ever meet.

Tom loved baseball in all its forms. While he excelled at the sport as a heat-slinging lefty in high school and college, he also loved attending and watching Phillies games, studying baseball statistics, collecting baseball cards, and playing the APBA baseball board game. Watching the Phillies and Eagles win championships in recent years were some of his favorite memories.

More than anything, though, Tom loved his friends and family. And more than anyone, Tom loved his daughter Mallory. She was his best friend and partner in crime; everything he worked towards was to make her happy or laugh. They enjoyed cooking together, building Legos, walking around Lititz, listening to music, and playing the Dodson-original game, Donkey in the Middle. In addition to local adventures, they enjoyed trips to the beach, Disney World, Newfoundland, and Scotland.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Mallory Dodson, and her mother, Tiffany Dodson; his older brother Ryan Dodson and his wife Sacha; his younger brother Paul Dodson, his wife Amanda, and their son Zephyr; his mother, Regina Ness, and her husband, Ed; family friend/sister Amber Nauman; his beloved pet Alley Cat; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family, friends, and teammates. He was predeceased by his father, Samuel Dodson, Jr.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 9, at the Reedy pavilion in Lititz Springs Park from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. We ask you to bring your happiest and funniest memories of Tom’s life as we say our goodbyes. RSVP and more details can be found here.

In lieu of flowers, we know Tom would appreciate any donations to Pet Pantry in Lancaster, PA.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page

Condolences to the Family

September 12, 2023

Dear Dodson family, I am so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. Tom was a great guy who always made me laugh, feel comfortable and at ease. I’ll always remember/cherish the crazy fun times we all had way back when! Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Gerard Walsh

August 28, 2023

I am do tremendously sorry for your loss. My heart, thoughts, and prayers, go out to you.
love from Kelly Buchanan

August 23, 2023

Dear Dodson Family,
I was saddened to read your son, Tom’s obituary in the paper.. He sounded like a stellar person.
Last May, my husband and I lost our 39 year old son, Brian, to alcohol/mental illness. You know you were there for them, but you wish the time could have been longer! Know that you all will be in our prayers for peace and healing. Both Tom and Brian suffered in ways we cannot imagine… We entrust them into the care of our Heavenly Father, where there is no more death or pain.
Sincerely,
Tish & John Kelly
Lancaster

August 22, 2023

I played baseball with Tom at Elon. He had a nasty left handed slider. He was my best friend on the team, and later was one of my groomsmen. Tom was one of the funniest people I have ever met. Since hearing of his passing a rush of memories and good times come flooding back to me. One of the last times we hung out he got out a box of 80’s baseball cards. Tom came up with a game to find the best mustache. We laughed all night. It hurts my heart that he is gone, but may he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.
John Gann

August 21, 2023

Ryan and Family,
I was shocked to hear of Tom’s passing. Please know I am thinking of you. He was one of the sweetest and most genuine people I had the pleasure of knowing. I always enjoyed our random run-ins around Lititz. He was one of a kind and his smile will be missed. Sincerley,
Christa Prutzman

August 18, 2023

I was only slightly acquainted with Tom, and am saddened to learn of his passing, just when I was starting to get to know him. There’s a (variation of) a saying attributed to Thomas Carlyle that goes, “Every man is my teacher, in that I may learn from him.” From Tom I learned something about azaleas, and because of some advice he imparted to me this past spring, one of the azaleas in my yard that was ailing in the shade was moved into a far sunnier place and is now thriving. In a proverbial like manner, my prayer for Tom is that, having been lifted from the shade of mortal earth, he too now thrives in a far sunnier place.
David Tice Allison

August 16, 2023

Regina and Family – Sharing in your sorrow at Tom’s death and sending heartfelt wishes for God’s grace and peace in your grief.
John and Hannah Bartges

August 16, 2023

Regina, Ryan, and Paul,
We are so heartbroken hearing of your loss. Although it’s been many years since we were neighbors, the memories of your family are some of our most fond. We hope Tom and you are all at peace.
With Love,

The Cardina Family
(Linda, Greg, Gabrielle, Evan, and Meredith)

August 16, 2023

Goodbye Tom. Me and my family were Tom’s neighbors in his last few months and we truly give our hearts out to his family. Our deepest condolences to you all.
Bridget K Mullen

August 16, 2023

I am sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Al Scott

August 16, 2023

Farewell, my friend. May you rest easy now.
Greg Rutter

August 16, 2023

Regina and Ryan,
“Can I go over to the Dodson’s” was a question we heard many times from Kevin. He spent many enjoyable hours with Tom, Ryan and Sam watching movies, playing video games etc. Tom (and Sam) will always be with us as long as our memories are alive.
The Tritt Family – Kevin, Barbara, Cliff, Katie

Services: Saturday, September 09, 2023; 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM; Lititz Springs Park; Reedy Pavilion; 4 N Broad Street; Lititz, PA 17543
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