Obituary of Maurice Vincent Hodgson

On February 5, 2014 God called home one of his greatest creations: Maurice Vincent Hodgson. Vince was born March 31, 1923 to Ida Powell and Maurice Hugh Hodgson. Born and raised in St. Elizabeth parish in the town of Southfield on the island of Jamaica, Vince was raised by his beloved grand-parents Edward Hugh Hodgson and Mabel Bent-Hodgson. Vince immigrated to the United States in 1943 enlisting in the United States Navy and serving honorably during WWII. Vince was eventually stationed at Port Chicago outside of San Francisco, CA. Fate intervened and Vince was spared the travesty of the Port Chicago explosion and mutiny when he inadvertently broke his foot keeping him safe and stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base, IL. Vince also became a naturalized citizen of the United States during this time; and after the war he was honorably discharged. He truly loved being an American. While driving a NYC cab in 1959, fate stepped in once again when a stunning woman got into his cab. Vince married that stunning woman, Mildred Porcher, and they went on to spend 53 beautiful years together. To their union were born two children: Michael L. Hodgson of Fairburn, GA and MeLinda P. Hodgson of Oxon Hill, MD. 

Due to his love of cars and automobiles, after being a personal driver in NYC, Vince was employed by the NYC Transit Authority for more than 20 years retiring in 1988. Vince was also a mechanic and landlord who passed his love of mechanical things to his children. Unlike many, Vince enjoyed his retirement by traveling extensively with his wife Mildred having returned from his 24th cruise one week prior to being called home. Two weeks before that, Vince had just returned from Phoenix/Mesa Arizona to ring in the New Year by celebrating his granddaughter Shontay's wedding. Vince spent New Year's Eve surrounded by both of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This meant the world to him as Vince loved his family. Vince was a huge sports fan! Jets, Mets and Knicks all the way! He was particularly fond of college sports as he always said, "You see the real talent when they're young." He passed his love of athletics on to his children having served as coach to Michael's CYO Baseball League, and coaching MeLinda in varsity softball despite the beginning of his loss of sight. Vince also coached the UNAYO youth groups. Vince was an avid fisherman who loved being on the water. He would periodically "inventory" his tackle box just to make sure things were still in order even though the box and his fishing rods were at his daughter's house in Maryland. Raised by his grandfather, a veterinarian, Vince loved animals. He would tell stories of breaking horses without saddles and tending to the many dogs on his grandparents estate. In later years his best buddy would become Ginger, his killer-attack Pomeranian. Ginger was by his side until the end. To not be sighted, Vince was a very stylish man. With salmon or honeysuckle colored blazers, coordinating shirts and socks, tailored trousers, handkerchiefs and ties along with his dark glasses, Vince was constantly queried by much younger men about where they could get clothing like his. Vince had style. Vince made his transition early the morning of February 5th having led a long and wonderful life. A kind and gentle spirit, full of life and love he leaves broken-hearted his: devoted wife Mildred; beloved children son Michael (Gloria) & daughter MeLinda; adoring grandchildren: grandsons: Mychal, Stephen, Jordan and Davonte' & granddaughter Shontay (Cedric); great-granddaughters Saniyah, Sameria, and Londyn; sister Elinor Samuels; aunt Hortense Parris; brothers-in-law, Henry Porcher, and Allan Porcher (Cynthia); nieces Gail Smith, Phyllis Porcher, and Elaine Porcher; nephews Bruce Porcher and Dr. Darrin Porcher; cousins Laurel Henry, Glenna Gray, Cissy Powell; his grand-dog Ginger, in addition to a host of cousins, "adopted family members, friends and loved ones.