Pete Hodgson

September 20, 1932 – August 15, 2021

Pete Hodgson built many things in his life - a family, a company, a community, buildings everywhere, and even a racing career. He passed away peacefully at home in Redwood City on August 15, 2021.

Pete was born and raised in Belmont and graduated from Sequoia High School, He followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Carpenters Union and worked framing. In 1958, he was drafted into the Army, and was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. Pete had met his future wife Mary at a dance in San Francisco and she drove across country to become his bride. After his discharge, the couple returned to Redwood City with Carol and settled, welcoming Ann, C.R. and Bill in short order.

Always ambitious, Pete and Mary started Hodgson Construction in 1964, working together to build a prominent company, specializing in commercial and industrial projects throughout the Bay Area. Because of his commitment to the construction industry, Pete served as President of the Peninsula Builders Exchange and the Associated General Contractors of California.

Pete and Mary were devoted to Redwood City and everyone in the community. He began the Hodgson Construction Rummage Sale to benefit St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room in 1992 which continued for many years, including a car raffle. Pete was a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Redwood City serving in many capacities throughout his tenure, including as President in 1996-1997.

When it came to auto racing, Pete loved all kinds. Paved or dirt, oval or road, he traveled the state (and country), often with his wife Mary and four kids to sit in the stands and enjoy the competition. When he finally got the chance himself, Pete started road racing in Formula Vees and Sports 2000 cars with SCCA. His successes led him to the SCCA national championships where Paul Newman initiated him into the “Chevaliers du Deuxieme Hemi-Siecle”. An accident in his Sports 2000 ended his racing career in 1987 but he continued his engagement with the sport as a spectator, both in person and from the comfort of his recliner,

After retirement, Pete became an avid gardener, tending large vegetable gardens and fighting off the many varmints that were after his produce. After Mary’s death in 2002, Pete married Tina in 2011 and moved to Redwood City, spending his remaining years happily gardening and traveling the world.

Pete is survived by his loving wife, Tina, his children Kathy Shoemaker, Lynn Rutherford (John), Carol and Louis Ebner, Ann Greth, C.R. and Lori Hodgson, Bill Hodgson and Rong Mao, 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was especially close to his granddaughter Paige who was with him at the end, and to Tina’s grandchildren, Taylor and Sean Le.

Donations in Pete’s memory can be made to St Anthony’s Padua Dining Room.