1925 – 2016

AUBURN — Clifford E. Hodgman, 90, formerly of Lewiston, died Sunday, Aug. 7, at Clover Manor in Auburn with his three loving children by his side.

He was born Oct. 23, 1925, in Lewiston, the son of Albert L. and Ruth (Ellis) Hodgman. He was educated in the schools of Lewiston and graduated from Lewiston High School with the Class of ’43. After high school he attended Auburn Maine School of Commerce and studied there until December 1943, when he entered the U.S. Army.

In the service of his country, he served in England, France, Belgium, the Philippines and with the 8th Army in the occupation of Japan. He attained the rank of staff sergeant and was awarded the European campaign ribbon (with battle star), Asiatic Pacific campaign ribbon, Philippine Liberation ribbon, the Army of Occupation Medal of Japan, the Victory medal, good conduct medal, and American campaign ribbon.

He was discharged in April 1946 and later attended the Auburn Maine School of Commerce again. He then became employed with the New England Telephone Co. and later, in April 1948, he joined the staff of the Lewiston Evening Journal.

He married the former Frances M. Hall of Bingham on June 27, 1948, and they made their home on Sabattus Street in Lewiston. She died Nov. 18, 2006.

While employed at the Journal he covered several beats including Auburn city government, police and other municipal agencies, and for many years was the Superior Court reporter for Androscoggin County. He also covered Androscoggin County government. During his years at the paper he served as assistant city editor, editor of special publications, and also as editorial writer and editorial page editor. He retired in October 1987 after nearly 40 years, during which time he wrote two columns, “Cliff With a View” and “The County Corner.”

Mr. Hodgman was also a musician and played saxophone and clarinet. He played with a number of dance bands performing both in Maine and New Hampshire. The bands included the Lennie Lizotte Band, George Fenton Band, Cliff Lachance, Carroll Poulin, Al Caron, Steve Stephens, Bobby Warren, Gus Lothrop, Lou Paul and other musical organizations. He also played with the Le Montagnard Band in concerts and parades.

He is survived by three children, Linda L. Ireland and husband, Henry, of Wales, Brian E. Hodgman and wife, Anne, of Lewiston, and Laurie A. Hodgman of Lewiston; six grandchildren, Thomas H. Ireland, United States Air Force, Spokane, Wash., Brian E. Hodgman Jr. of Sabattus, Christopher F. Hodgman of Lewiston, Daniel C. Ireland of Lewiston, Patrick R. Hodgman of Newcastle, and James R. Ireland of Auburn; four great-grandchildren, Jacob Hodgman, Lauren Hodgman, and Matilda Hodgman of Lewiston, and Levi Hodgman of Newcastle.

Condolences, donations and a video tribute may be found online at www.albert-burpee.com.