Lee B. Dyer Jr

Lee Dyer Jr. died on March 6, 2026 at home in Chester, NJ. He was 80 years old and his life was full with things that he loved: his wife, Sophie, his children, his grandchildren, his dog and the outdoors.

Lee was born in Newark, NJ, moving to White Meadow Lake in Rockaway when he was a child. He loved his new hometown and the nature that surrounded it. He told many stories about the hiking trails, ponds and abandoned mines that he explored in his youth. He instilled this love of the outdoors in his children too, taking them with him on every opportunity, be it hiking or hunting, and teaching them to respect and appreciate nature. Later, he joined the Rockaway Township Sportsmen Club, where he would not only find camaraderie in others who appreciated the chance to hunt and fish, but also helped to organize things like the yearly pheasant hunt sponsored by the Club. When he retired from Howmet Corporation as an engineer in 2000 after working there for 30+ years, he embraced his retirement as a chance to do more of what he loved: spending time with his family, mowing the grass with precision, fishing in Beaver Dam and Split Rock Reservoir and sitting in the sun listening to his favorite country music.

On February 21, 2026, Lee and Sophie celebrated 50 years of marriage. Their love for each other was evident to all that knew them. Their marriage was centered on raising their two children, Christine and Michael, and building memories as a family. Later, that went on to include their son-in-law, Joe, and grandchildren, Kuiper and Georgia, too. Lee and Sophie loved the beach, spending many summers vacationing with their kids (and later their grandchildren) in Long Beach Island, NJ (always on the bay side) and in Ocean City, Maryland. Lee loved to bob waves with his kids, and take walks along the sand with his wife. Their vacations were filled with card games, Thrasher's French fries and Maryland crab feasts! Being Lee's family was a privilege and a gift; he leaves a legacy of kindness, humor, generosity and storytelling that will never be lost.

Lee is survived by his wife, Sophie Dyer, his daughter, Christine Cullin and her husband, Joseph Cullin, his son, Michael Dyer and his partner, Heather Gummoe, and his grandchildren, Kuiper and Georgia Cullin. He is also survived by his dog, Harry, who has not left his side for the last ten years. Lee was predeceased by his parents, Lee and Rozella Dyer, and his sister, JoAnn McKeon.

To honor Lee's memory and his love of animals, and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Randolph Regional Animal Shelter.