MOHAWK-Mr. Francis M. Hodges, age 82, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, December 27, 2009 at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Oneonta on April 13, 1927, son of the late Lewis Hodges and Margaret Sprague Hodges. He was the next to youngest of 10 children and the last surviving sibling. Educated in Oneonta schools, he graduated from SUNY Morrisville and was a WWII veteran. On August 14, 1948, he married Marianna Schnack of Oppenheim and they shared 61 years of love and devotion. Francis and Marianna moved to Mohawk in 1953. Francis was an auto mechanic at Brown Brothers and then became employed by the New York Telephone Company in 1956 where he was a lineman for most of his career. He retired in 1984. No words can express what a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather he was. He loved his family unconditionally and he was always there when they needed him. He is survived by his wife, Marianna of Mohawk; his two daughters, Denise Hodges of Mohawk and Wendy Bartlett and her husband Brian of Utica; five grandchildren, Heather Chait and her husband Sergio of Charlotte, NC, Lareina Foster, Larisa Black and her husband Gary, Mario Restive and girlfriend Melissa Brower, all of Syracuse, Shannon Service of Mohawk and her boyfriend Travis DeJohn of Ilion and stepgrandchild Brian Bartlett and fiancé Kristy Jones of Virginia Beach, VA; and two great grandchildren, Julia Chait and Sidonie Foster. Francis was an avid golfer, and in his younger years he enjoyed waterskiing. He was always willing to lend a hand and he loved a good joke. His charm and fun-loving personality endeared him to many. He will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 29 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, between Ilion & Frankfort, 894-8000. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, December 30 at 11:00am at the Enea Family Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert R. Wollaber of Morning Ministries, officiating. He will be laid to rest next spring in Mohawk Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice or to the American Heart Association; envelopes may be obtained at the funeral parlor. The family is being cared for by Daniel J. Enea, funeral director.