Walter Dodge

Walter "Walt" (Coach) Dodge passed away at age 87 Oct 2, 2024 after a 10-month battle with cancer. Walter was born in Watertown NY. Upon the death of his father, he moved to Philadelphia as a child. He graduated from Germantown PA High School in 1955. He was an Eagle Scout. He attended Syracuse University on a Gymnastics and Track scholarship, received his BA in 1961 and his Masters in 1969. 

Coach was a beloved physical education teacher for 40 years at Jamesville Dewitt and a substitute teacher for another 20 years after his retirement. He coached Jamesville Dewitt High School gymnastics from 1962 -1979 before becoming the Head Coach for Syracuse University Men’s Gymnastics from 1979 – 1998. He served as a High School and Collegiate Gymnastic Official and was honored as National Coach of the Year in 1984.

Walt lived a full life devoted to his family. He was a lifelong teacher, mentor, coach, child advocate, student of life and a big child who love playing games. A man with many hobbies and talents, he taught thousands of youngsters to play jacks and kids of all ages how to play “wall ball”. Coach had a great sense of humor and a silly joke to share. He loved to create elaborate Halloween costumes which he wore to school. As a huge SU fan, he attended many lacrosse games and tournaments. His retirement uniform came from his large collection of SU t-shirts and sweatshirts. As a voracious reader, he always had a book in hand - his favorite authors were Stephen King, John Grisham and James Patterson. He was a friend of the Zoo and loved Primates especially gorillas. In his travels, Walter visited many great zoos.

He spent decades taking yearly French classes at Trois-Rivieres in Canada. He enjoyed sketching and water color painting. He played Bridge, other card and board games, as well as jigsaw, Sudoku and crossword puzzles (in pen). His luck with dice and drawing key cards is legendary among his family, friends and poker buddies. With the help of his sons, many friends and gymnasts, he built a log cabin from scratch in Ontario Canada.

Walt was predeceased by his parents Mildred and Loren and his step father Robert Wesley long ago. He is predeceased by 4 of his 5 siblings Kathleen, Joyce, Beverly and fraternal twin brother Jim, as well as his daughter Carol (Ron).

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Bethyl (Beaudette) Dodge, his son Charles (Jennifer), son James (Laura), 6 grandchildren Heather, Kate, Kristen, Michael, Jillian and Jack, 5 great-grandchildren Hadley, Evelyn, Rylynn, Kieran and Rin and his brother Jack.

Calling hours are Thursday, October 10 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Burns Garfield Funeral Home, 3175 East Genesee St. Syracuse

We are grateful for all the wonderful and loving care Walter received from the doctors and nurses in his final days at Upstate Cancer Center and Francis House. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Francis House.  Francishouseny.org