Gerald M. Dodig

Passed away at his Petaluma residence on March 4, 2013 at the age of 83 years. Loving husband of the late Valita Dodig and Bonnie Dodig. Caring companion of Barbara Yapp of Santa Rosa and the late Marge Pierce. He is survived by his loving ‘chosen family'. Jerry was born in Jersey City, N.J. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1949 and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant after 4 years. In 1954 he went to work for Pan American Airways as a journeyman aircraft mechanic/mechanic trainer. Jerry retained a lifelong love for aviation. He subsequently owned Steele's Patio Shop in Kentfield (founded in 1954 by his mother and step-father: Juliet and Ed Steel). Ed also served in the British Army in 1919 in the Life Guard, the Horse Back Mounted Calvary, and with the Red Tunics. He was associated with Rotary since 1988 with Marge Pierce and attended almost every social event from then onward, and attended six International Rotary Conventions. Jerry was a member of Elks, Moose, and the U.S. Power Squadron. He will be missed by the love of his life Barb, and the many step-children and grandchildren that were lucky enough to know his giving heart and love. A "Celebration of Life" will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma, CA. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St., Petaluma, CA 94952 or the Rotary Club of Novato, P.O. Box 657, Novato, CA 94948 in his memory. Inurnment: Cypress Hill Memorial Park, Petaluma.