In loving memory of

William D. Hodgman
August 27, 1942 - May 3, 2022

Long time Grosse Pointe Park resident, William "Bill" Hodgman passed away Tuesday May 3, 2022 at Ascension St. John Hospital. He is loved, missed and survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary Rose (nee Stanlonis); five children, Melissa (Peter Strzok), Laura (Tom Rollins), Christopher (Chelsea Woznak), Brian and Andrea; four grandchildren, Nicholas, Grace, Jack and Finn; brothers, Dr. Mark (Jane), Philip (Sue), and sister-in-law Betty (late Jeffrey Hodgman).
Bill, the eldest of four boys, was born in Detroit, August 27, 1942, to Daniel and Margaret (nee Langenderfer). He graduated from Austin Catholic High School in 1960; Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. in 1964 (where he played basketball and tennis) and The University of Michigan Law School in 1967; and was a Michigan licensed attorney since 1968.
Bill's legal specialty interests included estate planning, physician recruitment and retention and joint ventures, and he wrote and spoke extensively on healthcare topics.
In 1990, he was elected a Trustee of the Detroit Macomb Hospital Corporation. As Chairman, he helped negotiate the merger of DMHC into the St. John Health System. He then served as Chairman of St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital until 2010.
Bill was an avid reader and enjoyed writing 'Letters to the Editor' to the Grosse Pointe News from 1994 until 2018. He loved tennis and golf, classical music, and enjoyed U of M and Lions football.
He was Co-founder and President of Grosse Pointe Baseball Organization for 27 years. The organization funds the Grosse Pointe Redbirds summer baseball program for boys 13-18 years old and was led by former Detroit Tiger Dave Bergman.
Bill was involved in the Grosse Pointe Library Foundation, Grosse Pointe Park Foundation and The Rhoades Foundation, as well as the local Witenagemot Society.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at St. Ambrose Church 15020 Hampton St, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230 at 11:00am, with a gathering at 10:30am. The funeral Mass will be live-streamed at: https://www.facebook.com/VerheydenFuneralHomes/
Contributions may be made in his memory to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, dso.org; Detroit Institute of Arts, dia.org; or Capuchin Soup Kitchen, cskdetroit.org.
He will be remembered, celebrated and missed by all who knew him .

Tributes

Barb Thomson wrote on May 27, 2022:

"Mr. Hodgman was one of my Dad's Close Friends. They Loved tennis together and he guided me through a prenuptial and later a divorce. A Kind man with much insight!!! I will be forever Grateful for his gentle spirit and his wisdom!!!! Prayers go to Mary Rose & his Family from the Thomson clan!!"

Bill Hooth, wrote on May 24, 2022:

"It has been an honor and joy to have known Bill going back to his days at Austin as a friend,in sports,and later as a longtime law partner. Bill was a leader and had great respect from all. Bill Hooth,Sarasota,Fla."

Michael L Donahue wrote on May 16, 2022:

"Bill was a classmate of mine at Austin and he was great student and strong student. Always friendly and helpful and someone you would want as a best friend. Rest in Peace my friend. mike Donahue"

EARL VOGEL wrote on May 15, 2022:

"Bill was a classmate of mine for four years at Austin Catholic High School. He was a very good student, but an even better basketball player. He was a guard on a very good team, a steady player who could handle the ball and had a good outside shot. We only lost four games all year - to our Catholic League foe Detroit Catholic Central, by 1 point to Holy Redeemer in the Catholic League Championship game, by 2 points to Detroit Northwestern in the City Championship runner-up game, and to Pontiac Central in the State Championship semi-finals. I loved basketball but was new to the game in high school. Bill came to my home a few times and showed me a few moves in my driveway. I lost touch with Bill when he went away to college, but we would see each other from time to time at class reunions. My best friend in high school was John Sanders, who passed away from a progressive neurological disease last year. I knew I would be asked to give the eulogy at John's funeral. When I saw Bill at a class gathering, I told him about John's condition, and how I might be giving the eulogy. Bill quickly gave me some sage advice - don't say "I" or "me" during my talk, it had to be all about my friend John. In retrospect, Bill was always helping others. Whether it was showing a friend some basketball moves, or giving advice on delivering a eulogy. Your Austin classmates will miss you Bill. "

Joe Tasse wrote on May 14, 2022:

"Bill was my Board Chairman when I was president of St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital and he always brought energy, keen insight, a sharp wit and an equally sharp tongue to our Board meetings. I also played golf with him many times and he had a strong hockey-stick swing that moved the ball quite a distance. He and I had many conversations and meetings and when I needed advice, I'd call him and say, "Bill, I need counsel from my spiritual adviser." He'd laugh and then we'd meet. I particularly enjoyed his command of politics and he was usually right on with predictions on elections and matters of state. He was a fellow Jesuit-trained man at Georgetown while I was a John Carroll man. Ironically, Archbishop John Carroll founded Georgetown College (now the University) in 1789. The picture on this site is classic Bill. I even remember that sport jacket. I'll miss you, Bill. My sympathies for Mary Rose and the Hodgman clan. Joe Tasse"

Sheila Turney wrote on May 14, 2022:

"Bill Hodgman was the amazing father of Brian Hodgman who attended Defer Elementary School. I was the administrator of Defer. Having served in K-12 education, 21 years in Grosse Pointe, I can say without a doubt, Bill Hodgman was a renaissance man who gracefully moved into 21st Century Mores. Mr. Hodgman supported the effective learning of every child. During some low level takeovers in GP schools, Bill Hodgman stood up against backward leaning parents. My two sons appreciated Me. Hodgmans support of athletics, along with literary engagement. I send my greatest admiration and affection to Mary Rose and Brian as there husband/father leaves our earth ?? Peace ? "

Lori Josephs wrote on May 12, 2022:

"Mr. Hodgman was the best!! So many memories and fun times growing up and spending time at the house and coming home from college and grabbing Laura after giving him updates on my life.?? He always had a smile and years later helped with personal and business things going on in my life. He always took time out to help. prayers for the whole family.. ????????? Lori ?"

Judy Sutherland wrote on May 10, 2022:

"Bill was an incredibly kind man who always thought of others and was a wonderful friend and attorney to me and so many others. He was a man of integrity. Bill will be missed. My condolences to Mary Rose and the rest of his family. "

Br Nick Blattner Ofm Capuchin wrote on May 10, 2022:

"On behalf of the Capuchin brothers I offer my deepest sympathies on the passing of William. It is truly humbling to receive memorial donations in honor of his life. Please be assured of the brother's prayers for the entire Hodgman family during this great time of grief. May perpetual light shine upon William."

Gabriela "Gaby" Valdez wrote on May 9, 2022:

"I was very sad to hear about Mr. Hodgman's passing. I have great memories of him while fortunate enough to be one of his many employees at Cox, Hodgman & Giarmarco from 1997 to 2001. I have the utmost respect, admiration and love for him. He always treated me with kindness and respect. A charming and unforgettable man you were Mr. Hodgman! I'm so sorry this bright light has left our world. My deepest condolences to your entire family. Sending prayers and love, Gabriela "Gaby" Valdez"

Troy Otto wrote on May 9, 2022:

"Mr. Hodgman was a great man. I will remember his generosity, sharp wit and love of sports (especially golf and baseball). Troy Otto "