Reverend Stephen Jesse Dibble

Liberty, NY

The Reverend Canon Stephen Jesse Dibble was born in Sanitaria Springs, NY on November 23, 1923, he passed away peacefully at his home in Liberty, NY on October 11, 2008.

He was the youngest of five children of Harry Glenn Dibble and Lucy Adella Callender Dibble.

In his early years, he attended Colesville/Harpursville Public Schools. During World War II, he was stationed in the Pacific in the U.S. Navy holding the rank of Pharmacist Mate. He obtained a Bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina and a graduate degree from Adelphi University, Garden City, NY. Additionally, he received a Master's Degree in Divinity from Nashotah House Seminary in Wisconsin, and attended classes at Albany State Teacher's College, NY, New York University and Columbia University in New York City, and Oxford University in England. He was ordained to the Diaconate of the Episcopal Church in the spring of 1953 and to the priesthood later that year.

Throughout his life, Father Dibble faithfully served as rector, pastor and priest-in-charge of numerous parishes from New England to Virginia including St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Astoria, NY, the Espiscopal Heritage Center, Washington D.C., St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Alexandria, VA, and St. Andrew of Scotland Church, Alexandria, VA. He retired as priest-in-charge of Blessed Sacrament Anglican Catholic Church, Liberty, NY in 2005. He previously served as Provincial Secretary, and at the time of his death was President of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of the Resurrection, Anglican Catholic Church. During a period of semi-retirement, Father Dibble frequently contributed articles printed in the Anglican Catholic Church's publication "The Trinitarian". Among his numerous affiliations, he served as Chaplain to the Sons of the American Revolution, The Society of Colonial Wars, and The Society of Colonial Lords of Manors in America.

In the late twentieth century he was received at the White House by President William J. Clinton to welcome Mother Teresa on her visit to America. Through the years he was a world traveler. His last pilgrimage was to England in 2005 to visit the Shrine to Our Lady of Walsingham. At the time he was able to join the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, at Cambridge University for high tea.

He is survived by one brother, Harry A. Dibble of Binghamton, NY and four nephews and five nieces: Charles A. Ryerson of Plainfield, VT, Darryl Dibble of Port Crane, NY, Alan Dibble of Binghamton, NY, Lawrence A. Dibble of Orlando, FL, Elizabeth Mucich and Dorothy Ellen Griffin of Catskill, NY, Linda Oona of Gansevoort, NY, Mary Ellen Fayerman of Tavares, FL and Jean Krajewski of Fernandina Beach, FL. He is also survived by numerous grand nieces and nephews.

In addition to his spiritual affiliations, Father Dibble was a historian, archivist, genealogist, teacher, and mentor. In later years, he greatly enjoyed reading, traveling and visiting with family members and clergy friends. His life was punctuated by a unique sense of humor. Most notably he will be remembered by family and friends as a man extremely generous with his time and support. He was unfailingly helpful during grave challenges and difficult times. He baptized and married many of his nieces and nephews, and provided spiritual and emotional support when loved ones and friends were laid to rest. To his family Father Dibble remains a beloved uncle in the fullest sense. He has also been a true blessing in the lives of his many friends.

During the last few months of his life, Father Dibble and his family have relied upon the kind assistance of his friends The Rev. Father Robert and Barbara Konvalin, devoted caregivers Dawn, Abby, James, Kathy, Kelly and Michele, as well as the extremely capable and loving care of Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties. Their kindnesses will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Anglican Catholic Church's Father Stephen J. Dibble Memorial Fund (P.O. Box 111, Liberty, NY 12754), Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties (800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550) or the Sullivan County Adult Care Center (P.O. Box 671, Liberty, NY 12754) would be greatly appreciated.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 19 from 7-9 p.m. and Monday, October 20 from 9-10 a.m. at the Harris Funeral Home, West Street at Buckley Avenue, Liberty, NY. The Requiem Mass will be at 12 p.m. on Monday, October 20 at St. James Church, 55 Delaware Drive, Delhi, NY. Interment will follow in St. James' Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Harries Funeral Home; 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200.