Alan Hodges

Alan Harmon Hodges, 61, of Birdsboro, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at Reading Hospital. He is survived by his wife Patty Jean (Panos) Hodges.

Born in Owensboro, KY, Alan was the son of the late James Harmon and Carolyn Gay Hodges. He is survived by his mother; his sister, Cathy Jo Rogers, wife of Mark Rogers of Broadalbin, NY; niece, Rose (Panos) Blinn, wife of Michael Blinn of Greater New York City; great niece, Poppy Blinn; sister-in-law, Pamela (Di Sorbo) Panos, surviving wife of Bruce Panos of East Greenbush, NY and several cousins.

Alan graduated from Scotia Glenville High School in 1977 and started his higher education at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, graduating with his Bachelor of Science from Union College in Schenectady, NY. He worked as a Research Scientist and Senior Research Investigator at Sanofi Aventis for many years. Alan had a love for the outdoors, including fishing, as taught by his father from a young age, and bird watching, as fostered by his mother’s love of birds. He was passionate about hunting and although he hunted many different kinds of game, his particular favorite was waterfowl, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Sherwood Lasher. He also enjoyed target shooting and was active with the Oley Valley Fish & Game Association. Alan and Patty Jean were members of the Valley Forge Black Pots, a hobby which combined his love of the outdoors with Patty Jean’s outstanding culinary skills. Together, they regularly attended the monthly meetings at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site to cook outdoors over charcoal in traditional Dutch ovens. In 2019, their pasta fagioli won a prize at the East Coast Dutch Oven Gathering, an event they attended annually. They often shared trips to cultural and historic sites which married their appreciation for history and food, including Lancaster Amish culture, historical reenactments at the Daniel Boone Homestead, and the annual Greek festival at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

Alan valued time spent with his family and although his stature was formidable, he had a gentle soul. He was a devoted husband, and caring, supportive, thoughtful and kind to his family and friends. He cherished all of his family, especially its newest member, Poppy.

Due to the current health crisis, a PRIVATE memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 11 at 2 p.m. at Bean Funeral Home, Reading PA. However, friends can view this Celebration of Alan’s Life online that day. Please contact a family member for the online viewing details. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lehigh Valley Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. Bean Funeral Homes and Crematory Inc. 6 Fairlane Road Exeter Township is in charge of arrangements. Please take the time to leave a message for the family or share a special memory of Alan below.