Dennis W. Dawson

Dennis W. Dawson, 76, died on November 13, 2025, at Saint Mary Home in West Hartford. Born in Hammond Indiana on November 19, 1948, he was the beloved son of Ruth M. Dawson and husband to Noreen Grice.
Dennis was an enthusiastic astronomer and astronomy educator. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Astrophysics from Indiana University and a Doctorate in Astronomy from New Mexico State University. His career included professorships at Wesleyan University, Alma College, Franklin and Marshall College, San Diego State University and Central Michigan University. He retired in 2025 from Western Connecticut State University after 37 years, where he was a Full Professor of Astronomy and the Director of the WCSU Observatory and Planetarium.
Dennis cared deeply about providing opportunities for his students and co-authored scientific papers with them. He mentored students and took many of them on research trips to Flagstaff Arizona where they gained hands-on experience at the National Undergraduate Research Observatory (NURO).
Dennis was always an avid reader and life-long learner. He authored scientific papers and the astronomy book, Out of the Classroom: Observations & Investigations in Astronomy, used by college students nationwide. Dennis enjoyed long drives, visiting new places, attending holiday events and fairs with his wife, and watching episodes of his favorite science fiction series, Dr. Who.
He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Noreen Grice.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 21st at 11:00 a.m. in the East Cemetery, East Center Street, in Manchester. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ruth M. and Dr. Dennis W. Dawson Endowed Scholarship, Institutional Advancement Department, Western Connecticut State University, 181 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810