William "Bill" Mills Hodge, age 61, of Towson, MD—formerly of Rumson, NJ, born in Greenville SC—passed away unexpectedly at home on July 20, 2025. He was a loving husband, a fantastic dad, a wonderful son and brother, and endlessly dedicated to his family. He will be remembered for his strength and perseverance, his courage and loyalty, his stubbornness, and his dependability.

Bill loved his wife, Colleen, and their three children fiercely and unconditionally. He loved his parents and sisters—and their children—with steadfast love and welcomed his in-laws as if they were his own family. He loved his dogs as if they were just as human as the rest of us.

Bill was passionate about his career, which began after graduating from the Philadelphia Restaurant School. He became a professional chef, working in restaurants across the Eastern United States—most notably the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City—but the most memorable place being Lady Jane's in Hoboken, NJ, where he met his wife, Colleen. He later opened his own catering company, Blue Collar Food, servicing multiple talk shows, events, and parties throughout New York City. Bill was also employed as a private chef to Bruce Springsteen and his family. During that time, he co-authored a cookbook with his business partner Chris Styler: Blue Collar Food: Easy Home Cooking for Hardworking People by Two Really Nice Guys. In the late 1990s, Bill transitioned into food sales, finding deep fulfillment at Baldor Foods, where he worked as Director of Mid-Atlantic Sales across DC, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Bill faced the challenges of addiction in his early years, but through unwavering faith, the support of his community, and his deep love for family, he found the strength to overcome. One of his proudest achievements was his more than 35 years of sobriety. He was an active and devoted member of his local AA chapter wherever he lived, where he formed lifelong friendships and became both a mentor and mentee to many.

Bill led a rich and joyful personal life, grounded in love for his family and friends. He cherished early mornings spent having coffee with Colleen before starting his day, loved surprising her with summer flowers, and always called her his "Sweet Colleen." He expressed his love through the meals he cooked, especially for his children. While he was passionate about cooking, what he enjoyed even more was having someone else cook for him, especially his mother, Laura, whose homemade biscuits and fried chicken he adored (and never liked to share). He treasured breakfast outings with his dad, Mills, at the local diner, Greenbows, soaking in his father's words of wisdom. He loved calling his kids just to hear about their lives, always ready with support, insight, or a bit of unsolicited advice. No matter what they needed or asked of him, Bill was there—fully, unconditionally—and his love will live on in their hearts forever.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Colleen Hodge of Towson, MD; his three children, Michael Hodge of Washington D.C., John "Jack" Hodge, and Margaret "Maggie" Hodge of New York City; his mother, Laura Phillips; his father, William Mills Hodge; his stepfather, Sam Phillips; his sister, Karen Pruett; his in-laws, Jim Pruett, John Kilbride, Kevin and Cristin Kilbride, and Kelly and Ryan O'Toole; as well as many cousins, nieces, great-nieces, a great-nephew, and close friends. He is preceded in death by his sister, Anne Lassiter, his mother-in-law, Joan Kilbride, and his stepmother, Jane Hodge."

Bill's legacy is one of devotion, dedication, deep affection, and quiet acts of care. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered with profound love by all who knew him. The world is a smaller place without his warm, loving presence.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 1pm at Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines

Chapel in the Pines

581 Seven Lakes Drive

West End, NC 27376

Reception to follow.