Gerald L. Hodge, 85, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, at Atrium Health Hospice in Monroe, NC, after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by his children. A lifelong resident of the Owego area, he graduated from Owego Free Academy in 1959 and made his home in Apalachin, NY in 1986.

While at Owego Free Academy, Jerry was captain of the 1959 basketball team and was honored as "Mr. Basketball," a regional award selected by coaches and sportswriters, receiving the award from baseball legend Ty Cobb during a special presentation at the school.

After graduating from OFA, Jerry attended and graduated from Broome Technical Community College. He began his career as an electrical engineer with General Electric in Syracuse, NY, later working for Westinghouse in Elmira, NY, before joining IBM in Endicott where he worked for more than 25 years on check processing systems before retiring in 1993.

Jerry was predeceased by his beloved wife and the love of his life, Joyce Godfrey Hodge (d. 2017), with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his parents, Cora (Burlington) Hodge (d. 1982) and Harold J. Hodge (d. 2003).

Jerry is survived by his siblings, Holly Smith (John, d. 2017) of Tioga Center, NY, and Joel Hodge (Margaret) of Louisville, KY.

Jerry is survived by his children and their families.

His son, Terrence Hodge (Amanda) of Austin, TX. Their children are Jameson Hodge, Taylor Hodge (Kristy) and their children Kensley and Wesley Hodge, Devin Hodge, and Evie Hodge.

His daughter, Dawn Hammond (Keith, d. 2025) of Apalachin, NY. Her children are Ashley Epic, Angelina Hammond, and Zach Hammond.

His daughter, Denise Biscardi (Steve) of Matthews, NC. Her children are Chelsea Gordon and her daughter Gwen Elise Gill, Nicole Gifford (Josiah) and their daughter Delilah, Bridget Gordon, Monica Biscardi and her daughter Izzy, and Merissa Flowe (Justin) and their children Emily and Allison.

Jerry was a life member of the Owego United Methodist Church. He remained proud of his Owego roots throughout his life and enjoyed following OFA sports, especially in his later years. He loved camping with his family and traveling up and down the East Coast. In his quieter moments, he enjoyed gardening and planting, which brought him great satisfaction. He especially looked forward to summers, when his grandchildren—near and far—would visit to play in the yard and go on excursions together.

A small graveside ceremony will be held at Tioga Cemetery on May 19th at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow.