Tucker Dolge's Obituary
A. Tucker Dolge, 61, of Slater Rd., Tolland, CT, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2009 at Manchester Memorial Hospital. He was born in Chelmsford, MA, son of the late David and Jane (Tucker) Dolge. Tucker moved to Stafford Springs as a child and spent his best years there forming friendships that have lasted more than 50 years. Besides his beloved wife, Judith E. (Graves) Dolge, who was responsible for keeping him alive and happy for 35 years, he leaves a daughter, Tara Dolge, son Tyler Dolge, and his granddaughters Arianna and Madeline. Tucker also leaves behind a brother, David Dolge and his wife Martha who have become closer than ever during Tucker's time of illness; sister-in-law, Ann Freidel; step brother, Robert Backus; and step sister, Catherine Backus and her husband Richard Hubbard. Tucker leaves behind many friends, too numerous to mention all, but he needs to mention some. His friends that traveled with him through elementary, grade, and high school that he still remains friends with after 50 years, Bill Braun, Tocka Champagne, Paul Toney, and Ed Dion. Others that must be mentioned are Todd Rein, Marty Guyer, Mark Summers, Gary Wolff, and Rich and Sharon Davis. Of course he wouldn't have had a political career if it weren't for his mentor and close friends Tony and Doris Guglielmo. Tucker graduated from Stafford High School and attended one year at North Yarmouth Academy in Yarmouth, Maine. The following years he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After spending two years in the Philippines Islands, he spent two years with Comdesron 21 off the coast of Vietnam. Upon discharge, he backpacked across Europe with his friend Bill Braun finally landing a job in New York City where he met the love of his life, Judi. They were married in 1974. Returning to Stafford, he started working for Mass Mutual selling life insurance. Tony and Doris Guglielmo were kind enough to let him join their agency of Penny Hanley and Howley where he worked out of for 30 years. In 1980, Tucker was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives serving one term. In 1984, he moved his family to Tolland but never relinquished his love for Stafford. He ran and won a seat on the Tolland zoning board of appeals. Tucker was a member of the Wolcott Lodge #60 AM & FM in Stafford, a lifetime member of the Stafford Historical Society, member of the Tolland Historical Society, the Tolland County Arts, and member of the V.F.W. Post No. 241. Some of the best times of his life were spent at the family lake house in Spencer, MA. And yes, I wrote this obituary myself. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 10 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church, corner of Church St. and Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial will be held privately. Calling hours are on Monday from 5-8 P.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. Memorial donations may be made to the Tri Town Shelter, 95 East Main St., Vernon, CT 06066 or to a charity of choice. For online condolences or directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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