Russell A. Hodge

Russell Arden Hodge of Roscoe, NY, an entrepreneur and a life long area resident passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, NY.

The son of the late Russell V. and Alice Arden Hodge, he was born on September 12, 1939 in Monticello, NY. He was a pioneering American decathlete and former world record holder who devoted his life to the pursuit of athletic excellence and became one of the brightest figures in American track and field during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Hodge’s passion for competition carried him to the world stage early in his career. He represented the United States at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, placing ninth in the decathlon. Two years later, in July 1966, he achieved one of the defining moments of his athletic life by setting a decathlon world record in Los Angeles with 8,230 points, a mark that stood until the following year. Throughout the decade, he remained a consistent force nationally, earning multiple top-four finishes at the AAU National Championships and placing second in 1965, 1966, 1970, and 1971.

He also shone at the Pan American Games, finishing fourth in 1963 and later securing a silver medal in 1971 in Cali, Colombia. A proud member of the UCLA Bruins, Hodge earned All-American honors and competed for one of the country’s premier collegiate track programs. Though injuries prevented him from returning to the Olympics after 1964, his determination and resilience became part of his enduring legacy.

Athletic achievement ran in the family. He was the son of Alice Arden, a 1936 Olympian in the high jump, and Russell “Rusty” Hodge, a semi-professional basketball player. In 2003, Hodge and his mother were jointly recognized with the Sullivan County Historical Society’s “History Maker” award, commemorating their unique distinction as the only mother–son Olympians in United States history.

Russell Hodge will be remembered for his remarkable contributions to American athletics, his unwavering competitive spirit, and the pride he brought to his community and family. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, resilience, and historic accomplishment that continues to inspire athletes today.

Survivors include his wife, Pamela Bleasdale Hodge of Roscoe, NY; his children, Seth Hodge of Binghamton, NY, April Hodge of Seattle, WA, Heather Hodge of Seattle, WA, Alice Arden of Seattle, WA, Laura Hodge of Lakewood, WA, and Russell Hodge of Roscoe, NY; two grandchildren, Mateo and Aitana; and one brother, James Hodge of WA.

At this time Russ’s family will celebrate his life privately. Dignified cremation provided by Harris Crematorium LLC.