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David DICK Obituary
Born in New York City, he had been a Peninsula resident since 1957.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lilly.
Col. Dick retired from the U.S. Army in 1962, and then taught biology and earth science for 18 years at Hampton Roads Academy. He volunteered at the Mariners' Museum, the Virginia War Museum, and was a former member of the Torch Club. He was a charter member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula.
Survivors include son, Roger Dick and his wife, Denise; daughter, Roberta Fairman; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be conducted at 10 a.m., March 26, at Hampton Roads Academy. Interment will follow in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Mariners' Museum or Hampton Roads Academy. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David DICK
Sponsored by Tracy Meier, Villanova, PA.
Barbra Fairman
March 4, 2025
With what is happening so far this year, I wish that I could talk to you one more time, GrandDad, just to hear your thoughts. I know you are still missed by family and former students, and we are, to quote from the movie that you told me I should see, "your symphony".
ValerieJill Postman Podet
March 2, 2025
It is now 2025, and I still think of you and the wonderful influence on my life. May your memory be a blessing to those who knew and loved you.
Barbra Fairman
March 2, 2024
I will always miss him, and still wish that I had asked him more about his time growing up or how he got interested in fencing
ValerieJill Postman Podet
February 29, 2024
Col. Dick was a wonderful teacher and fine man. I still miss him.
Barbra Fairman
March 1, 2021
Every year, I wish GrandDad Happy Birthday on Facebook, which I have no doubt he would have been on—expressing his opinions, hearing from all of his former students and even commenting on posts that we as family make. I also realize more and more each day how much he influenced me on how I treat others. I miss him, and I hope that I will be half the person he was.
Margaret Tocknell
February 28, 2021
I think often of my Uncle David but particularly around his birthday, which was a few days ago. He was my model for living a life of learning and curiosity. He encouraged my interest in photography, rocks and geology. As I write this I am looking at my collection of books about rocks---all gifts from Uncle David. I also have his rock pick! He was a wonderful man and terrific uncle. I miss him everyday.
Howard Waters
February 28, 2019
I majored in Biology at Hampden-Sydney and the Colonel gets the credit AND the blame. LOL I still remember hearing (more than once) from him when I answered a question incorrectly. Thats ok, Waters. Biology will be a lot easier when you take it again next year. LOL He was possibly the most memorable teacher from my years at HRA.
February 28, 2019
I was privileged to have the Colonel as my Biology teacher while I was at HRA. Though I didn't excel at the subject, he made it so interesting that I decided to get my degree in it when I went to Hampden-Sydney. Fortunately, I was prepared for college bio...Chemistry? Not so much.
I often think about the Colonel's witty remarks. One that I heard more than once after providing an incorrect answer was, That's ok Waters. Biology will be a lot easier when you take it again next year. LOL
Jimmie D. Mains
May 4, 2018
I served with COL Dick in the San Jose Project at San Jose Island & at St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands in 1947-1950. He was a fine officer - I remember him well.
Barbra Fairman
February 24, 2012
Granddad,
Our memories of you will live forever with all of us, especially as we remember your birthday today.
veronica morgan
June 20, 2011
The candle still shines in honer of you~
Stephen Kadar, Jr.
April 6, 2011
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Col. Dick since I joined UUFP less than five years ago. From what I have gathered he played a substanial role in the history and overall life of the fellowship. For that contribution I am very greatful and sad as his passing from our faith community.
Dayna Fuller
March 29, 2011
It has been so gratifying to read the many messages left by family, friends, and former students. Colonel Dick was a great man, who inspired so many of us. He made learning contagious. What great luck it must have been to be in his classroom. Thank you Dave for the positive influence you had on Tara and her decision to attend the Coast Guard Academy. You will surely be missed. May you rest in peace.
Dayna Fuller
March 29, 2011
It has been so gratifying to read the many messages posted by family, friends, and former students. Colonel Dick was an incredible man and it is so very apparent that he made learning contagious. What great luck it must have been to be in his classroom. When I read the quote below, I always think of Dave. He will surely be missed!
"A hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in the bank...but the world may be a better place because I made a difference in the life of a child."
Forest Witcraft
Shannon Haley
March 27, 2011
When I was a young girl my mother married Roger. We moved from California to Virginia and our first stop was 23 Mammoth Oak Rd where we stayed until our house was ready.
From there our families were forever blended - not by our family tree, but by the love in our hearts.
I have many fond memories of Dave that I will always cherish. Sunday visits that you could set a clock by. Special events: Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and my wedding day. Shortbread cookies, scotch, pewter and Nike shoes with tape over the name. Talks about world travel and places we both had visited. Also a rock that says, "Ah that feels good" when you turn it over.
What am amazing life he lived. A role model for all.
While I was not born in to the family, I have always been proud and lucky to call him my grandfather.
Valerie Jill Podet (nee Postman)
March 22, 2011
It took me a while to realize it, but I had emulated Col. Dick since I graduated from HRA ('70). I am a Naval Officer and have degrees in both Biology and Geology. My husband Allen and I have visited the Dicks almost every year since 1981, in Rhode Island, Williamsburg and Newport News. and have been enriched from having done so. We are all so lucky to have had him as a teacher and as a friend.
Our deepest sympathies to Roger and Roberta and their families.
Valerie Jill Postman Podet
Albert Fitchett, Jr
March 22, 2011
Col. Dick was good friend to my father. Over the course of my childhood, I shared many moments with Col. Dick when visiting my dad at work and during my summers working at the HRA. Although I never attended HRA as a student, Col. Dick taught me the most important lesson of life. A man should be judged based on his character and not by his race. I observed this through his friendship with my father. Each man enjoyed each other’s company and I was blessed to have shared those moments listening and gaining wisdom through their discussions. Col. Dick was a great man, who displayed unconditional love for others.
Roger & Denise Dick
March 18, 2011
May this candle shine forever with the knowledge that Dad still lives through all the many family and friends he's been a mentor to his whole life. He was always a generous person and there when he was needed. May he rest in peace.
Kelly Brown
March 14, 2011
I first met the Colonel when I was about 11 years old. My mother married his son Roger and my sisters and I all moved to Virginia from California. The Colonel was a bit intimidating at first. I had never met someone who knew so much. No matter the subject, the Colonel always made it interesting and exciting. When I became a teacher, the Colonel had been retired for several years and was working at the Mariner's Museum. Still, he showed great interest in my teaching methods,my students, and my subject. When I began coaching debate, he sent me a subscription to the Wilson Quarterly so that I could better prepare my team. After taking a leave from teaching, the Colonel and I never had a conversation where he did not encourage me to go back to the classroom. Having read so many wonderful comments about his gift for teaching, I wish now more than ever to be back in a classroom. His love of learning and passing on of knowledge will continue to inspire me. And, perhaps someday soon, I will again pass on that inspiration to my students. I feel nothing else I will ever do would express my gratitude for him so well.
M. Hirsch
March 14, 2011
COL Dick will be missed by all who knew him and were impacted by his actions!
A parent of an HRA student, and member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Robert Phelps
March 14, 2011
Colonel Dick was a special and gifted teacher at the "Academy". He and several others including Clarke Worthing III, Albert, and Hildegard Hatcher were essential to the atmosphere in that time some of us were able to share. In 1971 when I last spent any sizable amount of time there, 44 of us experienced a place shaped by the actions of Col. Dick and many others that really care for their jobs but mostly for the students and the long-lasting effects they might have.
Col.Dick and his actions have shaped many lives on his tour with us.
Well Done, Sir!
Robert Phelps
Currently Lake Mary, Fl.
Lem Doss
March 14, 2011
A great teacher with a wonderful sense of humor. I remember hurriedly passing him in the hall, hey, how ya doing Col. Dick. His smiling response was, ya got five minutes and I'll tell ya. Wish I had those five minutes back.
Rita Johnson
March 13, 2011
He sounded like a very great man, and I'm sure he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences go out to the family for your loss. May God bless you and your family and give you his warm comfort and blessings until you see his dear face once again.
Uncle Dave we will surely miss you. Thank you for keeping in touch all these years making sure we stayed a family that kept together. Bless You.
Brian Eckels
March 13, 2011
Margaret Tocknell
March 13, 2011
Uncle David was a wonderful uncle to me and also to my daughters. He was a true lifetime learner, interested in everything and everyone. I am happy that he is back with Lil, Edgar (his brother) and John (his brother and my dad) but I will forever miss our conversations about the world. He was the best.
Peggy Cooper Fuller
March 12, 2011
I have so many wonderful memories of Col. Dick and his biology class. He was one of the greatest teachers I ever had, always responding to his students with humor and high expectations. Who remembers the music box, brought out to accompany the lame excuse? We will all miss him.
Bobbie and Roy Schilling
March 11, 2011
David Dick was an amazing person. When we first joined the UU Fellowship 30 years ago, he was a vibrant member. As our sons grew up, he always showed genuine interest in how they were doing. He has contributed much to our community and will be missed by many, many people.
Wayne Dawkins
March 11, 2011
It had been some time since I saw David Dick sitting among us. What I remember was his presence. I knew Dick was a charter member. He exuded quiet strenght and wisdom. RIP David Dick.
Carole and Jesse Todd
March 11, 2011
A delightful, learned man who will be greatly missed.
Chuck Howard
March 11, 2011
Col. Dick was a gifted professor at HRA and an inspiration to me in life. He will be missed.
Barbra Fairman
March 11, 2011
If wealth and success can be measured by the amount of lives touched, Granddad would surely be the richest man in the universe. Anywhere he went, he was always guaranteed to hear the words "Colonel Dick! Colonel Dick!", and it would be at least one former student, parent of a student or a former colleague calling him over to touch base with him again. I even remember him driving me past a part of Colonial Williamsburg one time, and he was pointing out all the buildings where former students were working. Granddad encouraged all of us to live out our dreams, and we could never thank him enough for that.
To quote from a movie that Granddad recommended that I see, we truly have become his symphony, one that will be played over and over again as we take his teachings and pass them onto the next generation.
Lyn Gardner
March 10, 2011
Among the many people I miss from my days at The Mariners' Museum, Col. Dick was among my favorites. I wish I had not been so shy and had taken the initiative to visit him on my own in recent years. While cataloging a Hampton Roads Academy yearbook for the Virginiana Collection at Hampton Public Library, I found a portrait of him from his days teaching biology: he had posed with a bird's nest and slide rule, and had such an expression of humor & wit, it captured him perfectly. Col. Dick was a warm and gracious man who had an appreciation for everyone and whose genuine kindness and generosity of spirit made him a friend to all. From his long-ago loan to me of his Thomas Jefferson Bible and his gift to Marc of SWORD AND MASQUE when he learned Marc & I had taken up fencing, I know we should have had many more exciting conversations in store. However, I'm so glad I had the chance to know him...and grateful to be able to share others' fond memories now. God bless you, Colonel Dick! And Godspeed.
veronica morgan
March 10, 2011
The candle in Col.David W.Dicks name is a reminder for all that had the honer as myself to know this remarkable person. I myself was not a student of his even though at times I felt as one.... while having the pleasure of not only being his care giver but his friend as well. David memories will go on through his son and daughter and the family members and each of us as we remember what a special person he was ~
March 10, 2011
I can still see him in his lab coat with his meter stick (not a yard stick!)in Earth Science c. 1967. He was patient with those of us who did not have a natural affinity for science, and tolerated me and my lab partner, Polly with great good humor. So much so that I learned a lot and can still attribute specific facts to his classes. Name an emulsion: mayonnaise! Why are chiclets called chicklets: because chewing gum is made of chicle! I might even still be able to draw a diagram of how the greenhouse effect works. I was so lucky to have wonderful teachers like him; he will be missed.
Tara Fuller, LTJG USCG
March 9, 2011
Col. Dick was a great inspiration to me; I wore his old "butter bars" with pride when I was an Ensign, and I heard stories of his great work at the Mariner's Museum through fellow sailors. I will remember him as a good Officer, but best as my great-grandfather.
Tracy Meier
March 9, 2011
It is so wonderful for me to see how many others remember Dave as those of us in his family do. The heartfelt words of remembrance and condolence are so deeply moving for us. As a father, grandfather and great grandfather, Dave remained engaged in all of our lives to the very end of his. Just three weeks ago, my sister and I were traveling in London and with us was a book that Dave insisted we bring along. The book was, “In the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes” naturally. He remained a generous, thoughtful and dedicated teacher to the very end. He was a divine soul and a wonderful role model.
Jim & Beth Maxwell
March 8, 2011
As David Dick's neighbors for 30+ years, we are so pleased to read these words of appreciation from his former students. He was so proud of each of you and was quick to tell us of your visits and phone calls - it meant so very much to him. His life experiences fueled his conversations and left us all enthralled. A good neighbor, a good friend. We will truly miss him.
Leanne Reynolds
March 8, 2011
I had an opportunity to meet Col. Dick when I came back to HRA in 2009. It was evident that he was a person I needed to know. Tom Harvey invited me to join him on his next visit to see Col. Dick.
From the moment I walked in his home, Col. Dick was mesmerizing with his stories. Stories about teaching at HRA, stories about his family, and stories about his experience in the military. Also, he readily shared how much he enjoyed his volunteer work and giving back to his community.
As I said good-bye on that first visit, I knew I had met someone very special. Many visits followed and I learned something from Col. Dick at every visit. Ever the teacher.
We have all lost a treasure.
Jan Spoor
March 8, 2011
Col. Dick was a great friend of my parents, of my sisters, and of mine. He was an accomplished and consummate teacher, an irascible but warm-hearted person, a thoroughgoing scientist, and a great lover of history. I'm sorry not to have seen him recently. Good fellowship and a love of knowledge trotted with him wherever he went, like the collie that used to follow him all over campus.
Slainte mhath, colonel!
Fred Vose
March 8, 2011
Col. Dick inspired me to become a scientist through challenging courses he taught at HRA. We acually both went to the University of Rhode Island, where I started my career in biological oceanography. He suggested his alma mater as a good place for me to go for my undergraduate degree, and I followed his suggestion. He was an excellent teacher, and prepared me well for the next steps in my education.We were all very lucky to have known him.
Tom Heatwole
March 7, 2011
Col. Dick was an outstanding teacher and a very fine gentlemen. I can't say that I had a high school teacher I remember so fondly.
Anne Henry
March 7, 2011
We were very lucky to have Col. Dick among the retired service professionals who staffed the early years of HRA. I remember 8th grade Earth Science - he was an early Conservationist - preceding the obligatory frog dissection in 10th grade Biology. And I will always think of Col. Dick and Rhode Island Reds in the same breath.
Nana Donaldson '67
Anne Henry
March 7, 2011
We were lucky to have Col. Dick among the retired service professionals who staffed the early years of HRA. I remember Earth Science in 8th grade as a prelude to Biology in 10th. His sense of humor and perspective were a tremedous contribution to our education. I will always think of him and Rhode Island Reds in the same breath.
Nana Donaldson '67
Howard Waters
March 7, 2011
An excellent teacher who had very expectations of his students. We had to work hard but Col. Dick had such a great sense of humor that it was fun (as long as you were prepared).
Alan Mitchell
March 7, 2011
Colonel you shall be missed Sir. It was always great to talk with you and to be challenged by your questions.
Josh Graml
March 7, 2011
His smile, his wit and his WHRO suspenders were always a welcome sight at the Mariners' Museum library. Colonel Dick couldn't help but brighten up a room. He was a good man, and he'll be missed.
Tina Gutshall
March 7, 2011
David was one of the most intelligent, funny, and gracious human beings we have all had the fortune to know. I will dearly miss our Friday lunches, and our shared love for all things Scottish. Beannachd Leibh dear Friend.
Sheila Cacase (nee Miller)
March 7, 2011
Colonel Dick was a true gentleman and a scholar to no end. To be graced with his knowledge, friendship and presence was a rare opportunity my family and I are most thankful for.
Jeanne Willoz-Egnor
March 7, 2011
David began working with the collections department of The Mariners’ Museum around 1980 and continued working four days a week, seven hours a day until just a few years ago when it became a little too difficult for him to come to the Museum (he was in his mid 90s!). Being at home didn't stop David though--we just hauled the research inquiries and books to his house and he just kept on working! Several staff members and I had the pleasure of celebrating David's 97th birthday with him several weeks ago and had a marvelous time. When asked how he was doing, he remarked "my tennis game is a little off, but other than that I'm doing just fine." David was a truly great man with a love of learning and teaching, an intense curiosity and a dogged determination to leave no question unanswered. He always had a positive attitude and never had an unkind thing to say about anyone. He will be truly missed and those of us who had the pleasure of working with David and the honor of being his friend, will never be quite the same again.
Ron DeChirico
March 7, 2011
I met Col. Dick three years ago when I arrived at HRA. I spent several great afternoons visiting with him along with Tom Harvey, HRA Headmaster and Leanne Reynolds, Associate Headmaster and Dean of Faculty. He always had a cold beer waiting for me (knowing that I was not a whiskey drinker) and was excited to see all of us. We all enjoyed listening to his stories of the history of HRA, his military career, the Newport News area, as well as his colorful life. He was quick witted and very entertaining. HRA is a better place because of Col. Dick and the many teachers like him!
Thank you Col. Dick for your service to America, for the way you endeared HRA and most especially for your friendship. I will miss those afternoons and am a better person because of them.
Marcie Renner
March 7, 2011
When I was first starting the conservation department at Mariners', Col Dick was an incredible help and inspiration. One day I brought in a dry-erase board (which was new technology at the time!) for tracking projects in the lab. Col. Dick proceeded to write on it with a Sharpie and I, of course, freaked. In his very patient and calm teacher voice, CD said, "Marcie, there is no such thing as permanent ink. We will simply test for the appropriate solvent to remove the ink." We will miss his stories, puns, and wisdom.
Mary Kayaselcuk
March 7, 2011
It was my honor to work with David during his 20-plus years as a volunteer at the Virginia War Museum and The Newsome House. He was a man of integrity and scholarship, ever ready to tackle a challenge. His talents and charm shall be deeply missed by all who knew him. The world was richer for his time among us.
March 7, 2011
Colonel Dick's passing is a loss to many, many people. I know that the entire team at The Mariners' Museum will miss him terribly; he was an invaluable resource for helping us with questions and research on all types of subjects. I never met anyone more intellectually curious about practically everything and about learning in general than David Dick. What a loss; what a marvelous honor to have known him. Bill Cogar, Newport News
Terry Joseph
March 7, 2011
What a great man. I met him at UU many years ago and was impressed by his desire for learning, stimulation and discussion. When my kids attended HRA, I was so pleased to learn of his work there. This is so sad. We will all miss you, David!
David Drucker
March 6, 2011
Col. Dick was a teacher who combined kindness with high expectations, both of himself and of his students. I was inspired by his love of learning and thinking which he happily was able to satisfy till the end by doing military research.
His pre-HRA history of growing up in Rhode Island and of his time in the Army was the source of many fascinating stories that all demonstrated the acute observations of a clever mind.
I will miss him very much.
Anna Holloway
March 6, 2011
Col. Dick was one of the most amazing men I have ever met. He worked with us at The Mariners' Museum solving the most difficult mysteries, answering the most obscure questions, and gracing us with his knowledge, his wit and his presence for many years. Fair winds, David. We shall not meet your like again.
Richard Sawyer
March 6, 2011
I enjoyed knowing David through the Torch Club. May I express my sympathy in your loss.
Jon Osborne
March 6, 2011
I remember him well after four decades. He was indeed a great teacher. What I know of biology I attribute much more to him than to anything I learned in college. And he did it all with a touch of humor.
Bonnie Fass-Offit
March 6, 2011
A superb biology teacher and very sweet man. I remember his classes so well even over 35 years later. He inspired so many students over his years at Hampton Roads Academy.
Tom Harvey, HRA Headmaster
March 6, 2011
What a wonderful man he was! And what a great teacher, one of the finest and most loved in HRA history.
We visited him regularly, a small contingent of HRA staffers that included Assoc. Head of School, Leanne Reynolds, and Business Manager, Ron DeChirico. Col. Dick was an impeccable host. Always prepared with refreshments, he regaled us with rich memories and detailed stories. He could be spicy and feisty as well, and we loved him for it.
Clearly, he lived a good and long life, just not quite long enough. As he approached his 100th birthday, he was planning to spend it in Nigeria with a friend. I do believe he would have gotten there, and he did not miss by much!
"Ave atque vale, frater"!
We will miss you.
March 6, 2011
Col. Dick was one of the best teachers I ever had. He was brilliant, witty, warm, and devoted to his profession. He had an impact on hundreds of HRA students. I'll never forget him.
John Payne
March 6, 2011
What an incredibly inspirational teacher. I owe some of what I have become to Col. Dick. God bless you and rest in peace
Anne Shumate Goland
March 6, 2011
One of my very favorite teachers - he had such an effective teaching style. When you added his great sense of humor - what a fun class Biology was!
Laura Bateman
March 6, 2011
A great teacher, a great man ---- always challenging his students. Col. Dick, rest in peace.
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