Obituary of John H. Dickson

John H. Dickson of Wappingers Falls entered into rest Thursday, August 15, 2024. He was 95.

Son of the late Donald M. and Elizabeth (Saxouer) Dickson, he was born on March 23, 1929 in Walton, New York. He married Carol Nisbet Waddle on October 5, 1997; Mrs. Dickson survives at home.

John grew up in Andes, New York, in the Catskill Mountains, where he attended Andes Central School, a K-12 building that included his graduating class of just 13 students. It was there that he developed his lifelong love of sports. With so few boys to pick from at the school, John made every team. He often recounted his 1947 undefeated baseball season, where he played catcher and helped lead the team to a district championship. He later attended Mohawk Technical Institute before enlisting in the United States Navy.

He served in the Navy from 1950 to 1954. It was during the Korean War, but the only combat John saw was batting against famed Yankee pitcher Whitey Ford at the Lakehurst, New Jersey, Naval Base, a story he often told. His love of sports continued throughout his life, including several years playing in the IBM Industrial League and Poughkeepsie's over-60 softball league. He was an avid bowler and loved to golf. John worked as a manager for IBM for 35 years until his retirement in 1989. After he retired, John was a court officer in Judge Carl Wolfson’s court in the town of Wappinger for many years.

John's greatest joy was being with his family, sharing food and wine, and remarking from the head of the table "what a beautiful crowd we got here!" In his later years, John discovered his love of travel, exploring the world with his wife, Carol. Favorite trips included Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and most of Europe, to name just a few.

In addition to his wife, Carol, survivors include his children, Carla Thorpe (Gerry), Joann Weed (John) and Steve Dickson; stepchildren, Melissa Bottini (Brian) and Catherine Mahone; 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his sister, Janet Jurgensen; his daughter-in-law, Joan Ruddy; and his former wife, Edith Kaluza Dickson.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Weed Orchard & Winery, 43 Mount Zion Road in Marlboro. Military honors will take place at 5 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls. To send a personal condolence, please visit www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.