Mr. George W. Hodgins

1961                                                    1962                                                     1969

from the 1960 yearbook

November 11, 1910 - October 18, 1981

George W. Hodgins, 70, a retired superintendent of schools in Paramus and a respected community leader, died on October 18, 1981, in Pascack Valley Hospital, Westwood.

In 1940, when Hodgins moved to Paramus from his hometown of Hoboken, there were only two grammar schools with a total of 350 students in Paramus. The schools were Farview and Midland schools. At his retirement, the school sytem boasted 10 schools, including two high schools, and an enrollment of 7,500.

The Hoboken native was graduated from Montclair State College in 1931 and had received a masters degree from New York University in 1947.

He then went on to teach in Farview grammar school and work as a principal before serving as superintendent of schools from 1950 to 1970.

Hodgins was extremely active in the academic and extracurricular activities in Paramus. He was known to have played Santa for the younger children and was constantly involved in sporting events on all grade levels.

The longtime Paramus resident was a Boy Scouts leader, and in 1964 was one of the organizers  of the first library board in Paramus.

He was a charter member of the Rotary Club, a life member of the National Education Association of the United States and a member of the Bergen County Education Association.

Nicknamed "Mr. Paramus," Hodgins had received honors from every organization in town during his stay as superintendent. In the early 1960s Hodgins was named "Citizen of the Year" by town officials.

At his retirement dinner in 1970, which was attended by 1,000 people, Hodgins was named "Mr. School" by the Paramus Board of Education and a resolution as passed to rename Farview School "George W. Hodgins Grammar School."

After his retirement he became the director of consumer affairs in Paramus.

The most recent honor awarded to Hodgins was given during the halftime activities of the opening game of the Paramus High School football season this year. The Paramus High School Stadium was renamed the George W. Hodgins Stadium.

Interment at George Washington Memorial Park.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/265957243/george-william-hodgins