Richard K. "Dick" Dyer

Richard K. "Dick" Dyer August 13, 1935 – July 6, 2025

Beloved educator, historian and Interpretive Park Ranger Richard K. "Dick" Dyer passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025 at age 89.

A decades-long teacher at both Bishop Kendrick High School in Norristown and Methacton High School in Eagleville, PA, Dick also spent over 50 years as a seasonal Park Ranger at Independence National Historical Park. In addition, he also served as a historian at the Walt Whitman House in Camden, NJ.

Dick began his National Park Service career in 1960. He loved to regale visitors with stories of the founding of the United States- from the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution to the ratification of the Bill of Rights and beyond. He worked at Independence long enough to interpret the Liberty Bell at three different locations, including its original place inside Independence Hall.

He worked at the Park during some of most exciting times in Philadelphia history, including the nation's Bicentennial celebration in 1976, as well as the Bicentennial of the Constitution in 1987.

In later years, lucky visitors witnessed Dick masterfully interpret the life and legacy of renowned poet Edgar Allan Poe at his former home at 7th and Spring Garden Streets.

Dick was a people person, possessed a great passion for history and story telling, as well as a wry sense of humor. Responding to a quip, question or observation, he would sometimes respond with a simple "God love ya! God love ya!"

Leo Blake, a dear friend of Dick's and Curator of the Walt Whitman House put it best when describing Dick: "Dick had a passion for history and always loved teaching folks, whether it be students in the classroom or the many visitors from far and wide who had the luck to join a tour led by him at the wonderful historic sites he worked including the Walt Whitman House. He considered everyone his friend". One of his favorite Walt Whitman poems sums this up best:

I Dream'd in a Dream

I DREAM'D in a dream, I saw a city invincible to the attacks of the
whole of the rest of the earth;
I dream'd that was the new City of Friends;
Nothing was greater there than the quality of robust love-it led the
rest;
It was seen every hour in the actions of the men of that city,
And in all their looks and words.

A memorial service will be held at 10 am Wednesday July 30th for Dick at the Hancock Funeral Home 8018 Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dick's memory to the Cape May County Animal Welfare Society at www.cmanimalwelfaresociety.org