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Follow us on FacebookDecember 3rd, 2022
Donald J. Dodds, 62, of Wilmington, DE formerly of Chester, PA passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022. He was born in Chester to the Late, Donald and Patricia Dodds. Donny attended St. Robert’s Catholic School, St. Joseph’s Prep and went on to graduate from St. James High School with the class of 1978. Donny was well known for his prowess on the basketball court. He went on to play Division I basketball at both Temple University and the University of Hawaii. Donny also coached at St. Robert’s CYO, Archbishop Prendergast High School, Chester Community Charter Middle School and Chester Charter School of the Arts High School.
He is a member of the Delaware County Sports Hall of Fame, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, and the St. James Sports Hall of Fame. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Philadelphia Eagles. In addition to his passion for basketball he enjoyed playing golf and taking vacations to the beach, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Judy Dodds (Semancik); Children, Danielle McGrory (Timothy), Kathryn Dodds, and Erin Dodds; Step-son, Craig Cowieson (Jaime); grandchildren, Cameron McGrory and Emma Cowieson; Brother, Keith Dodds; sister, Victoria Thompson; And many beloved Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. His funeral mass will be held on Thursday, December 8th at 11am at St. Katharine Drexel Church 1920 Providence Ave. Chester, PA.
Friends and family are also invited to his viewing on Wednesday, December 7th from 5-8pm at Minshall Shropshire- Bleyler Funeral Home 608 S. Old Middletown Rd., Media, PA and again on Thursday morning from 10-11am at St. Katharine Drexel Church. Burial will be private.
“Don’t cry because it’s over.
Smile because it happened.”
Dr. Seuss
My heartfelt condolences to the Dodd family on the loss of your beloved Donny.
Donny was a rival during our CYO grade school basketball days. At the time, I only knew him as a skillful basketball player and competitor who dominated every game against us on the court. Later, Donny became my classmate and teammate for three years at Saint James High School where I got to know him as a friend. I’ll alway remember his contagious smile, sense of humor, easy going nature and no-look passes. He was an All-American good guy!
My prayers and condolences to your family during this difficult time. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Kris Woods
I first met Donny when he was about six years old when he showed up at a home made basketball hoop I had in the alley behind my house in the Hill. Since I was about four years older and a foot taller, virtually every shot he took I knocked it down the alley but he just kept coming back for more. But It was clear then that the little kid had some talent. Ever since that day, we remained friends and when we ran into each other always had some laughs and relived the good times. RIP friend. My heart felt condolences to all the family.
My condolences to Donny’s family and friends. I played Little League with Donny at Chester East in 1969, I was 12 years old and he was 8 years old. There were no other boys playing at that level at the age of 8. He was one heck of an athlete then, so it came as no surprise to me that he had future athletic success. Donny was a big part of our winning the league that summer. May he Rest In Peace.
Dear cousin Judy and Family, so sorry for the pain that You all bear. Don’s qualities will be utilized for a higher purpose. He will be truly missed but never forgotten. May Our Lord grant You peace and I hope You find comfort in Don’s strengths and Your memories.
Dear cousin Judy and family, so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. Louise and I want to express our deepest sympathy to you all in this difficult time. He was a wonderful guy, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. God bless.
Dear Cousin Judy, my heart is heavy for your loss of Donnie. Although we will not be there physically to comfort you and the family, know that are arms are around you during this sad time. Sending prayers and love to all of you.
so very sorry for the loss of Donnie. what a great guy. May he Rest In Perpetual peace until we meet again.
My deepest sympathy and prayers with you through your loss of Donny, a beloved husband and father.
My Condolences to The Family Sending My Prayers of Comfort and Strength
My Son Attended St.Roberts School for a Year on Eastside
Rest in Heavenly Peace 💛
On behalf of the St. James High School Alumni Association and his 1978 classmates, I extend our deepest sympathies and prayers on your loss. On April 23, 2023, the Alumni Association will remember Don at their annual Memorial Mass at St. Madeline’s Church in Ridley Park. May he rest in peace!
RIP DONNIE…true legend!
Judy & girls
Donny will be truly missed. He was one of the good ones..always a smile and willing to help if needed. A best friend to many..especially Tom. We are heartbroken but know he is without pain. Rest easy Donny ❤
Susan,Tom & Andrew
Dad will be truly missed. He was one of the good ones..always a smile and willing to help if needed. A best friend to many..especially Tom. We are heartbroken but know he is without pain. Rest easy Donny ❤
Susan,Tom & Andrew
With a saddened heart I would like to send my condolences to the family.
Coach you really believed in my son and I loved how you loved him.
Sincerely, Bruce Mom
Double D, Double D, Double D!
Gonna miss you BigTime. Of late our goofy phone calls and back in the day sooo many good times. You’ll forever be in my thoughts and prayers. RIP my brother..
Judy and the girls, I pray that you continue to have the strength and courage y’all have showed us these last few weeks.
Donny had this air of class and dignity that’s difficult to explain but he had it.
We’ll always remember the beauty, grace and unbelievable talent we watched when he played basketball.
Love ya Double D.
Ed Williams & family
Rest on peace dear brother-in -law. Love you ❤️
Judy, I know you and the girls are so sad. I pray for God to give you the strength through this difficult time. I am here for you.
I was so sorry to hear of donny’s passing. I have many fond memories playing hoops in my back yard as youths back in Sun Hill (Chester). Although 6 yrs younger than the rest of us, We all knew he would be something special as he grew up, beginning with winning the 6th Mr. Jr. ABA trophy in 1973.. He sure did “bring it back to the Hill”.. my condolences to his family, Steve Muscella