Richard C. "Dick" Dreyer

1943 - 2023

Dreyer, Richard "Dick" C.
NISKAYUNA - Richard "Dick" C. Dreyer, 80 years old, passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Haverhill, Mass. on March 31, 1943, to the late August and Evelyn (Bonnell) Dreyer. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Evelyn (Heery) Dreyer; two sons, Kenneth of Scotia and Kevin (Lillian) of Greenfield; grandchildren, Colin, Grace, and Liam Dreyer; a great-grandson, Colt Dreyer, who called him Pa; two sisters, Susan (James) Blick of Painesville, Ohio and Joanne Rolfe of Lake Tahoe, Calif. More surviving family includes Philip (Kathy) Heery of Egg Harbor, N.J., Kathy (Rob) Derner of Manheim, Pa., Michael (Inez) Heery of Jupiter, Fla., and Marianne Heery of Coatesville, Pa.; nieces and nephews; plus his uncle, Ken Bonnell of Greenville, Miss. and many cousins.
Dick graduated from Middletown Township High School in Middletown, N.J., and landed his first job as a draftsman with Bell Labs in Holmdel, N.J. His future endeavors led him to apply and was, accepted to Fort Schuyler Merchant Marine Academy in the Bronx. His summer curriculum included training on the Empire State IV ship as they navigated their way to many European countries. In 1966, Dick graduated with a degree in maritime mechanical engineering.
That year he attended a life-sustaining ceremony by marrying the love of his life, Evelyn Heery. They lived in the Bronx when he accepted an offer to teach at Fort Schuyler. Besides teaching, he was also a student at City College in the Bronx, studying for his master's degree. In 1971, he began working at the Knolls Atomic Lab in Niskayuna until his retirement in 2004.
That is when their part-time visits to Cape Cod became full-time in their travel trailer. Their family has many memorable years of fishing, kayaking, lobster dinners on the beach, whale watching, off-road driving on the dunes and more with many dear friends.
Dick's activities and hobbies were numerous - fishing, hockey, kayak trips, visits to their Lake Placid condominium, calligraphy and woodcarving. He belonged to the Mohawk Wood Carving Association and produced intricate angels, Santas, birds and more. He taught this skill at the Niskayuna Adult Education Program.
Throughout the course of daily updates on Dick's health condition between family and friends included were high praises for the attending faithful Hospice team, especially Maria Thiele. God's presence was known, and felt through His angels; the Hospice nurses, staff, volunteers and organization. Our family thank you so very much for your compassionate dedicated care during Dick's difficult journey.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by a 12 p.m. memorial service on Thursday, May 11, at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for your kind donations to be directed to the Community Hospice.
To leave a special message of condolence, please visit NewComerAlbany.com.