John Hodgdon

John Winslow Hodgdon, 75, passed away on March 6, 2024, with loving family by his side. He was born on September 13, 1948, in New Haven, Connecticut to the late Winslow and Lucille (DePlacito) Hodgdon. He was raised in West Haven, CT and graduated from

West Haven High School. After high school, John took some courses at New Haven College until he made the decision to enlist in the United States Army. He was incredibly proud to serve his country for 3 years during the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged from the United States Army, John discovered his passion for working in the restaurant industry at Turk’s Seafood Restaurant in West Haven, where he met his beloved wife, Linda. He owned a several Zeb’s establishments, including Take-Outs and Sit Down Restaurants in West Haven, CT, a Fish Market, the First Avenue Fish Market and Deli, and take-outs in Derby and Orange. In Palmer, MA, his pride and joy was CJ’s Restaurant. John was the J in CJ’s and ran the restaurant for a little over 40 years. He was dedicated to the restaurant and generous to his employees and would always try to help in any way he could. His son, Michael, continues to keep the CJ’s legacy going and was his caregiver for the last few years. When John had free time outside of the restaurant, he was an avid Harley enthusiast. He enjoyed Corvettes, motorcycles, and watching movies. John was well loved by an abundance of family and friends, as well as touched many people’s lives. He will be deeply missed by his two children, Jennifer Hodgdon of Shutesbury, Michael Hodgdon (Amy Arnold) of Three Rivers, his brothers, Donald J. Hodgdon (Colleen) of Orlando, FL, and Gary E. Hodgdon (Karen) of Groton, CT, his two granddogs, Cricket and Bill, as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his loving wife, Linda (Ramadon) Hodgdon, and his two nephews, Christopher Ramadon and Godson Grant Hodgdon, as well as his son-inlaw, David Peritz. A graveside service will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, in Agawam, on Monday, March 18th, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., followed by a gathering at CJ’s Restaurant. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in memory of David Peritz, scholarship fund, c/o Country Bank, GoFundMe, https://gofund.me/286b948c . For more information, visit www.beersandstory.com