Richard Ward Dyer

1930 - 2012

SOUTH GLENS FALLS - Richard Ward Dyer, 82, of South Glens Falls passed away at home Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, with his family by his side.
Born Jan. 8, 1930, in Gansevoort, N.Y., he was the son of the late Paul and Marjorie (Miller) Dyer and the beloved husband of the late Patricia (Kearney) Dyer.
Dick was a lifelong resident of Gansevoort and South Glens Falls, graduating from South Glens Falls High School in 1947.
He married Patricia Kearney on May 19, 1957, and they enjoyed 53 years of marriage before her death April 20, 2010. After graduation, he joined the General Electric Co. in Schenectady as an apprentice tool maker.
When the Korean War broke out, Richard interrupted his training and joined the Navy, where he served from September 1950 to August 1954. While in service, he achieved the rank of Electronics Technician 1st Class (E6) and earned the following service awards: Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Defense Medal, Korean Defense Medal, National Defense Medal and a Presidential Unit Citation from the President of South Korea.
Upon being discharged from the Navy, he returned to GE and his apprentice training, which he completed in 1956. He then went on to work for the company for 41 years, retiring in 1990 from the Hudson Falls Facility as manager of shop support operations.
Richard was proud of his military service and maintained contact with fellow carrier sailors through memberships in the ""USS Palau Reunion Organization"" and the ""Escort Carrier Sailors and Airman's Association,"" attending reunions around the country with his wife.
An important part of his life was his relationship with his family. He enjoyed being in their company and especially treasured the time spent with his grandchildren, of whom he was very proud. Some of his best memories were of summers spent with them at the beach in Maine. In later years, Dick and Pat also enjoyed their winters in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Richard became active as a volunteer in the community, for which he received several awards. He volunteered as a member of the GE Elfun Society, as a mentor at Moreau Elementary School, as a computer instructor and Meals on Wheels driver at Moreau Community Center and, most recently, installing ""Life Line"" units and as a parking lot shuttle operator for the Glens Falls Hospital.
In addition to his volunteer activities, Dick took up golfing, which he enjoyed tremendously and played as often as time permitted. Richard was fortunate to have many meaningful friendships. He enjoyed dinners with fellow GE retirees and weekly coffee at Dunkin Donuts with friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; his parents; and his brother Paul. Also, his sister-in-law, Ellen Dyer; brothers-in-law, Joseph Plott and William Kearney; and a nephew, Paul Plott.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Paula Clear and her husband, John, of South Glens Falls; granddaughters, Briana Clear and her fiancé, Thomas Lyons, of Glens Falls and Erin Clear of South Glens Falls; his sister, Marjorie Plott of Greensboro, N.C.; his brother, James of South Glens Falls; his brother, David and wife Caryl of Myyacka City, Fla.; his brother-in-law, Vincent Kearney of Bombay, N.Y.; his cousins, Mary Wood of Fort Edward and Howard Ormsby of Lake George; and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Community Hospice of Saratoga, in particular Kelli, Karen and Jodi, for the wonderful care they gave Richard.
Family and friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, at Regan & Denny Funeral Home, 94 Saratoga Ave., South Glens Falls.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, at Regan & Denny Funeral Home, followed by burial with military honors at St. Mary's Cemetery in South Glens Falls.
For those who wish, online condolences can be made by visiting www.sbfuneralhome.com.