Richard Ralph Dillenbeck

1932 - 2019

Old Lyme - Richard Ralph Dillenbeck, 87, passed away peacefully Nov. 1, 2019. "Dick" was born in Tulsa, Okla. Jan. 7, 1932. He attended Will Rodgers High School where he was the vice president of his senior class. Becoming an Eagle Scout was one of the proudest accomplishments of his early life. He was awarded a full scholarship to attend Yale University and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1954. Following Yale, he attended Harvard Law School (class of 1959). Between his second and third years at law school Dick served as an officer with the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant. In 1959 he was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to work in Brazil and Argentina, which launched his long and varied career in international corporate law. In 1966 he received an LL.M (Master of Laws) from New York University. He was fluent in Portuguese and Spanish and conversant in German and French.

Dick was a lifelong learner with a special focus on history, art, and theology. He was also an avid collector of stamps, pre-Columbian South American pottery, and militaria, including an extensive collection of pre-World War One European dress helmets. Some of his happiest moments were spent tinkering with his small but carefully curated collection of classic cars, especially his 1938 Aston Martin roadster, which he spent over 40 years restoring. He was an active member of the Aston Martin Owner's Club of America and enjoyed exhibiting and racing his prize-winning car at events throughout the northeast.

Dick and his wife, Heather Wright Dillenbeck, retired together to Old Lyme, where they were faithful members of St. Ann's Episcopal Church. Dick was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Dillenbeck and Mary (Rank) Dillenbeck; and his beloved wife of 34 years, Heather. He is survived by his children, Mark Richard Dillenbeck, Christina Dillenbeck Wood, Anne Gilbert Dillenbeck, and Carolyn Dillenbeck Liggio; seven grandchildren; and his first wife, Suzanne Voth Dillenbeck.

A memorial service for Dick will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 23, at St. Ann's Episcopal Church, 82 Shore Rd., Old Lyme, relatives and friends kindly invited. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to St. Ann's Episcopal Church, 82 Shore Rd. Old Lyme, CT 06371.

For online guestbook, gfdoherty.com. Funeral arrangements by George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, Wellesley, MA.