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Dwight Needels Obituary
Born in Hays, Kan, on May 16, 1955, Dwight took an early interest in learning. He attended McMurry University in Abilene, Texas where he met and fell in love with his wife, Theresa. Dwight was a devoted member of Chi Omicron (XO), and he graduated magna cum laude with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Physics and Math. He went on to earn a dual PhD in Biochemistry and Neuroscience at Michigan State University, and did his postdoctoral work at U.C. Irvine.
Dwight was a resident of Connecticut for 28 years and was known for his enthusiasm for life. He had a passion for the outdoors which led him to use his GPS to map the local brooks and hiking trails in Meriden. These maps were published by the Meriden Land Trust and can be found at the Meriden Public Library and Town Hall. Dwight was an active member of many community organizations, including Meriden Flood Control, Linear Trail, Conservation, Inland Wetlands, Scenic Trail, and the Meriden Land Trust, where he was president. The Meriden City Council acknowledged his service to the city with a citation when he left Meriden in 2015.
His love for exploring the outdoors continued when he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he spent many hours in the hills at Black Diamond Mine Regional Park. Other favorite ways to spend his time included singing and playing guitar with friends and family, finding frogs and salamanders with his granddaughter, and enjoying the wonders of the sky. Dwight loved working for Roche Pharmaceuticals as a Documentation Manager and enjoyed the Roche community.
Dwight leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Theresa (Davis) Needels; his daughters, Thea Mills and Corrie Needels; son in-law, Harold Walker; granddaughter, Kaia Mills; parents, Foster and Donna (Gibson) Needels; and sisters, Jeannette Duke and Cindy Perez; as well as numerous other in-laws, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews. A memorial service will be held for Dwight in Meriden over the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Meriden Land Trust, P.O. Box 1745, Meriden, CT 06450.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dwight Needels
Steven Borden
March 12, 2024
Dwight was a dear friend and mentor to me as I worked in the Neuroscience lab at UCI. I remember Dwight as a Long Haired Hippie, long hair, leather pouch on his waist and a wealth of knowledge and passion for the work he and another associate, Manuel Nieto were researching. I remember being invited to his residence at UCI and meeting Theresa and his two girls. Great times. I think of him often.
Steven Borden
September 28, 2022
I had the opportunity to work with Dwight in Carl conman´s lab at UCI. Dwight was a good friend and mentor. He was so fun to work with and introduced me to uncommon music. Miss you
Julia Kane
March 12, 2019
Theresa, think of you often with very special memories. I am sadden we lost contact, I just hope you are okay and taking each day slowly & feeling the gift of the years given. Sending heartfelt prayers to you and your family.
Sherri Privitera
March 12, 2019
Rest In Peace
Sandra Baca
March 22, 2018
I had the pleasure of working with Dwight at Roche Sequencing. Dwight helped guide me, when I was first hired, on how our database functioned, documentation requirements, and the way the company operated. I could always go to Dwight as a source of information. He was so knowledgeable and always had time for people who needed to tap into the vast amount of information he was willing to share. Dwight would greet me with a smile and would often share delightful anecdotes. He was so enthusiastic in the projects he was on or on the subjects he'd discuss. A pall fell over the office when we heard about Dwight's passing. He will be deeply missed.
Gwen & Don Bowen
March 19, 2018
Dwight was an amazing young man who was like another son to us. We have wonderful memories and pictures of his visit with us in 2013. Our sincere condolences to all his family.
March 19, 2018
Though I didn't know Dwight, he clearly was a man of integrity and vision and was thought highly of by many. I'm praying that you will be able to find some comfort in knowing his life work is admired. Mary Angela kampe, friend of Jeannette
March 19, 2018
My condolences to the family. May you find comfort and peace through God's word. Matthew 5:4
JULIA KANE
March 19, 2018
Theresa, Beyond words to express the sadness I feel. Heartfelt prayers and sympathy and love beyond words sent to you and your family. You are thought of often.
I Pray we find a way to connect.
Chris Sparks
March 19, 2018
Dwight was very dedicated to using his talent with the written word to help in the fight against cancer. He will be missed greatly by all his friends at Roche.
March 19, 2018
I met Dwight at Roche 3 years ago. Dwight was such a warm and open person, and we instantly connected as we shared wonderful experiences at UC Irvine.
Dwight was amazingly bright, but he was very humble and gracious.
My condolences go out to Dwight's family and friends.
Sincerely,
-Kevin Lee
Mary Mushinsky
March 19, 2018
Dwight Needels was an ardent conservationist and gifted at sharing the outdoors with others, particularly in his efforts to map anything of interest in Meriden and Southern CT for weekend adventurers. Everything he did was science-based and accurate. Thank you, Dwight!
Jim Forman
March 19, 2018
Dwight was a mentor, a friend, the best boss ever and one of the most generous men I ever knew. By example and instruction, he made me a better person. I will always be grateful for my time working with him and for him. He will be missed so much. The world is a smaller place without him in it.
David James
March 18, 2018
Theresa, Thea, Corrie,
As a QRWA board member, land trust member, linear trail advisor, and general outdoor enthusiast I wanted to convey my shock and sadness at the loss of such a great companion as Dwight Needles. These are words one never contemplated having to say. Having worked with Dwight most closely on the Bilger Property, his wisdom and passion were beyond obvious. His guidance and contributions in negotiating with the state DEEP and quarry operators were invaluable even though we had the involvement of a doctored ecologist in our effort. He can definitely add the acquisition of that property by the land trust to his legacy. I know my sense of shock at the loss of a friend, companion, and great guy are shared by all who worked with, or knew Dwight. Dwight set a superb example of public service and will not be forgotten. Thanks for being great enough to share Dwight with Meriden. I'm sure it was a challenge.
Again, my sincere condolences.
David James
President
QRWA
Tyrrell Nelson
March 18, 2018
Dwight was a dear friend, an oracle of knowledge and one of my most favorite people. His enthusiasm for life, nature & science was evident in all that he did. He is greatly missed. I am so very sad for your loss.
Anne Havens Hodge
March 17, 2018
I am honored to have known Dwight, and have remembered him often over the years as one of those rare individuals who are excited by Life, and share that excitement with all they meet. I am thankful we crossed paths. Oxox
Keith Savage
March 17, 2018
To Dwights' extended family my condolences and mutual admiration to a really great guy. In the short time I got to know Dwight in High School, I feel very lucky to have known him. I wish his whole family nothing but the best, and may Dwights' legacy be an example to us all. Thanks for having been such wonderful neighbors here in Berlin/Meriden, as well as in my home state of Calif.
Amanda Sabatucci
March 17, 2018
To the family:
I am truly so sorry for your loss...I do know nothing can take that void away, but also know he is watching over you all right now while he is at such peace and comfort.
Please accept our condolences,
The Sabatucci Family
Frank Lewandowski
March 17, 2018
I am a richer person for having met you. You left Meriden a better place to live.
Sherri Privitera
March 17, 2018
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Jaqsun Cole
March 17, 2018
I am so sorry for your family's loss.
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