Dr. Russell L. Dodson, 82, of Wellsboro, passed away Thursday April 24, 2025, in his home, surrounded by loved ones.

He was born December 30, 1942, in Detroit, MI to Russell W. and Hettie E. (Patterson) Dodson. He grew up in Detroit, graduated from Osborn High School, and served in the US Army from 1962-1964.

He graduated from Wayne State University with a BS in Education. While at Wayne State, he took a geography class and the professor inspired him such that he changed his course of study. Dr. Dodson used this experience as his model to inspire students through his career. He earned his MA and PhD in Geography from Michigan State University.

When he traveled to this area to interview for a position at Mansfield University, as he went over Bloss Mountain and saw the terrain, he knew this was where he wanted to be.

Dr.Dodson started at Mansfield University in 1982, served as Chair of the Geography and Geology/ Geosciences from 1993 to 2014. He had a very active academic life and was involved with his students. He started the Geography Club. He arranged many activities including; field trips, caving, hiking, biking, rock climbing and the annual spring rafting down Pine Creek.

The best adventure of all was the bi-annual trip to Newfoundland, CA. Dr. Dodson’s former students say that he was ‘A Great Teacher and inspirational.’In his personal life, Russ was a very spiritual person, always reading and active in spiritual groups, pursuing internal fulfilment.

He loved music especially Bluegrass and Old Timey. He enjoyed playing his dulcimer, contradancing and clogging. Russ met Marcy 27 years ago on the dance floor at an Irish Festival and they have been dancing ever since.

He was known to be frugal but generous with his time concerning family, friends, and students. Russ was a diehard Detroit Lions fan and liked to play golf. He loved his sweets and ice cream.After he retired, Russ joined the Mansfield University Book Club and the Board of Directors of Wellsboro Community Concert Association (WCCA). He was proud to become President of WCCA and served for many years until February, when his health declined. He dedicated much of his time to the Association.

Those left to cherish his memory are his partner (Significant Other) Marcelene Coggins of Elmira; a sister: Lois (Joseph) Blum of Richmond, MI; three brothers: Marshall (Roberta) Dodson of Johannesburg, MI, Melvin (Nancy) Dodson of Ray Twp., MI, and Forest Dodson of Grayling, MI; brother-in-law: Steve Skolmowski of Rochester Hills, MI; god-daughters: Jodi Grocki of Shelby Twp., MI, and Lynn (Todd) Larson of Fowlerville, MI; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister: Phyllis Skolmowski, a sister-in-law: Jeannie Dodson, and a lifelong friend: Joseph Coraci.

A special thank you to his WCCA and Sangha friends for their loving support and care the past few weeks, to the students who reached out and lifted his spirits, and to the dedication and attention he received from Guthrie Hospice. We are all thankful for the gift of extra time that Russ received.

Friends, Family and Students are invited to celebrate Russell Dodson’s life from 1-3pm Saturday May 17, 2025 at the Deane Center 104 Main Street Wellsboro, PA.

His arrangements have been entrusted to the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home 139 Main Street Wellsboro, PA 16901. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/en/why-give or to Guthrie Hospice 421 Tomahawk Road Towanda, PA 18848. To share a memory or condolence with his family visit www.tusseymosher.com.