Herbert O. Hodgkins ’56

Herbert O. Hodgkins, 88, passed away after a short illness on January 13, 2023 at home. He was born June 29, 1934 in Ellsworth, the son of Dana and Winifred (Rice) Hodgkins.

Herb graduated from Ellsworth High School, class of 1953 and Maine Maritime Academy, class of 1956. He also attended Husson College. Following graduation, he sailed on the S/S Independence for three years and then joined the family business at Tidal Falls Lobster Pound and later was co-owner of Seal Point Seafoods and founded Lobster Products Inc.

Herb has been involved with many organizations over his life. He worked with the University of Maine to develop an alternative feed for lobsters and medicated feed to prevent Red Tail Disease in lobsters. He was a member of the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department and served as Fire Chief for several years. He was a member of the Hancock Historical Society and a member and past president of the Maine Lobster Pound Owners Association. He was an “honorary member” of the Hancock Women’s Club involved with their Santa Fund and Annual Chicken Barbeque. He also served on the Planning Board for the town of Hancock for several years. Herb and his wife Pat were awarded Hancock Citizens of the Year in 1993. Herb was active in sports, and had a special passion for baseball, playing catcher for EHS, MMA and Husson College, and loved watching the Boston Red Sox. He especially enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and friends, going to camp, and skiing at Sugarloaf USA.
Herb is survived by his children Susan Neleski (John), Victoria Bollinger (James) and Daniel Hodgkins (Jennifer), three grandchildren Christen Cox (Cory), Derek Neleski (Ashley), Deegan Hodgkins, great-granddaughter Adaline Neleski, several nieces and nephews and very special friend Jean Cusick. Herb was predeceased by his parents Dana and Winifred, his wife Pat, brother Harvard “Spike” Hodgkins and sister Ermanie Dupuis.
Donations in Herb’s name can be made to the Hancock Historical Society, 11 Captain Bill Road, Hancock, ME, 04640. Services will be held Friday, January 20, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Jordan-Fernald Funeral Homes, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St. Ellsworth
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com