Horace Melville Hodgson

Horace Melville “Melvin” Hodgson Aubert of Catonsville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 31st, 2023, at the age of ninety-one. He is survived by his wife, Ana Gladys Hodgson Orozco; his children, Julio Armando and Norda Alicia; son-in-law, Jeffrey Clopein; grandchildren, Melvin, Juliana, and Christopher; great-grandchildren, Alanis, Mia, and Jordan; siblings, Eileen Wilson and Ernesto Hodgson.

He was predeceased by his parents Frances and Rita Hodgson, his son Jose Ernesto, and his siblings Edgar, Felix, Gilbert, and Cecilia. He is also survived by many devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends who will forever cherish the memories of his humor and friendship.

Melvin was born at home on September 25, 1932, in Bluefields, Nicaragua. Graduated from Colegio San José Catholic School. He then attended Academia Militar de Nicaragua (AMN) in Managua, Nicaragua. In his military career, he achieved the rank of Colonel, and was stationed in various bases: Fort Amador in Panama, Fort Aberdeen in Maryland, Fort Gordon in Georgia, Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, and Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. He also served as an academic instructor for the Academia Militar de Nicaragua.

Throughout his military career, he earned the respect of colleagues and students alike. He was known for his strong work ethic and genuine willingness to help others. However, in 1979 all that ended due to political instability in Nicaragua. Mel fled Nicaragua and sought political asylum in the United States and moved his family to the Arbutus/Catonsville area where he had lived since 1980.

Melvin was a devoted family person, who prioritized his Catholic faith beyond measure. In his leisure time, he found joy in playing Sudoku, doing x-word and jigsaw puzzles, watching movies and game shows, reading, traveling, and attending social gatherings.

As we bid farewell to a remarkable man, let us celebrate the rich tapestry of his life and find solace in the knowledge that his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched. His infinite kindness and unwavering love will be his legacy and lasting memory for all those who were lucky to have met him.

All are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Saint Paul's Catholic Church, 3755 St. Paul Street, Ellicott City, Maryland 21043 on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 10:15 am. Interment to be held privately. In place of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the American Stroke Association or the Maryland SPCA.