Educator, social activist and world traveler Ralph C. Dodge, age 90, died peacefully at home with his family by his side on April 27, 2026, following a brief illness. Ralph was born in 1935 to Ralph Eugene Dodge and Lona Nutt Dodge in Island Pond, Vt.
Ralph graduated from Brighton High School in 1953 and proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He received his teaching degree from Keene State College and completed graduate studies at the University of Vermont. Ralph was a teacher and team leader at Edmunds Middle School in Burlington for 27 years.
Ralph was the consummate professional throughout life. His deep regard for the welfare of others shaped relationships in the classroom and beyond. Ralph was an organizer, a leader and an advocate for the teaching profession. He promoted collective bargaining in its formative years to improve teachers’ working conditions, class size and professional standards. As a problem solver, Ralph earned the respect of all — the administration, the school board and the teachers. He pioneered the concept of agency shop in Burlington and helped bring the issue to the Vermont State Supreme Court. Ralph’s role as chief negotiator for the Burlington Education Association influenced professional negotiations in Burlington and Chittenden County for over 20 years.
Ralph filled his life with learning and adventure, from running rapids through the Grand Canyon to watching tigers from an elephant’s back in Nepal or trekking in the Amazon rainforest. His journeys took him to over 60 countries. Generous with his time and talents, Ralph loved sharing his culinary skills with family, friends and colleagues. His bon vivant spirit enlivened every gathering.
Ralph invested in what he loved. He was a lifelong ticket holder of UVM men’s hockey. He was an avid skier and organized group ski trips to the Canadian northwest. Fascinated by the undersea world, he learned to scuba dive. Captivated by Africa’s grandeur, Ralph organized and escorted small group safaris for 25 years so he could share the experience with others. Wherever he traveled, Ralph carried a Polaroid camera to gift photos to children and elders, from Ethiopia to India and China. He always sought ways to build relationships.
Ralph is survived by Kathleen, his beloved wife of 57 years, of Burlington; son, Ralph Henry Dodge, and wife Lylene of Flagstaff, Ariz.; son-in-law, Ernest Underwood, grandson, Myles Underwood and wife Kathleen, and great-grandson, Eli Underwood of Hampton, N.H.; and brother, Eugene Dodge, and wife, Carol, of Island Pond, Vt.
Ralph was predeceased by his daughter, Cynthia Ann (Dodge) Underwood, and sister, Lona Dodge Thibodeau.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful nurses and social workers at UVM Home Health & Hospice for their care, kindness and support.
To send condolences and share memories, please visit vtfuneralhomes.com. A celebration of life in September will be announced.
This article appears in June 17 • 2026.