Peter Dodson

Peter Henry Dodson of Wellesley died unexpectedly at home on March 18 at the age of 80. Peter was born in Atlanta, however, shortly thereafter the family relocated to their longtime home in Hopkinton, and he often reminisced about the old family farmhouse and life there with his older sister and younger brother. Peter graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1960, and attended Wesleyan University, where he was president of his fraternity, graduating in 1965. He moved on to the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he was editor of the Law Review and earned a law degree in 1968, followed by a formative clerkship under U.S. District Judge Joseph Lord III. Peter spent his entire working career with Ropes & Gray LLP, both in Boston and New York City, from 1970-2008. He is remembered as a dedicated and revered colleague, partner and mentor.

Peter was able to enjoy his retirement, spending much of his time in his sanctuary home he designed in Stowe, Vermont. Peter was an avid photographer and enthusiast of all the arts, especially classical music and American Indian and Inuit art. He loved being active in the outdoors and hiking year-round. Spending time with his family was paramount, and he cherished reading to his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lois (Hollely) Dodson and Frederick James Dodson, as well as his sister, Carol Spengler, and his beloved wife, Beverly Mae Feinberg. He is survived by brother Bruce and wife Nancy of Killingworth Connecticut; son Matthew and wife Jessica of Needham; son Jonathan and wife Melanie of Towson, Maryland; adoring grandchildren Winter, Molly, Samuel and Clara; nieces Christine Graham and partner John Berube of Skowhegan Maine, and Sara Dodson Holmes and husband Stephen and their son Rowan of Chester, Connecticut.

Visitation will be held at George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street, Wellesley, on Thursday, March 30, from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 79 Denton Road, Wellesley, on Friday, March 31, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Peter’s name to National Audubon Society (audubon.org), Trustees of Reservations (thetrustees.org) or a local charity in your area that is passionate about the preservation of land and wildlife.

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