Richard W. Dickson, 95, of Sidney, NY, and Jensen Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025.

He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Helen (Wessels) Dickson. Richard was predeceased by his daughter, Karen Goebeler. He is lovingly remembered by his children:

• Valerie Halbert, Jensen Beach, FL

• William Dickson, Binghamton, NY

• Richard Dickson, Farmington, MI

• Robert Dickson, Whitney Point, NY

He is also survived by his son-in-law, Jon Goebeler, of Unadilla, NY, husband of his late daughter Karen, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, and extended family.

Born and raised in Sidney, Richard was a proud graduate of Sidney High School, where he excelled in academics, athletics, and band. An Eagle Scout, he went on to serve his country in the United States Navy from 1948 to 1952. Following his military service, he began a long and dedicated career with Amphenol Aerospace (Bendix), retiring after 33

years.

Richard and Helen shared a deep love of travel, especially exploring National Parks across the United States and attending Navy ship reunions.

Music was Richard’s lifelong passion. He performed in the U.S. Navy Drum & Bugle Corps and later founded the Sidney Royal Aires Drum & Bugle Corps in the 1950s. Over the years, he also performed with the Syracuse Brigadiers in the early 1970s, the Brigs Alumni Corps in the mid-1980s, and the Florida Brass Drum & Bugle Corps in the early 1990s. He served as director of the S.A.M. (Sidney Area Music) Band in the mid-1970s, creating musical opportunities for countless local youth.

A lifetime member of the Sidney American Legion and the Sidney Elks Club, Richard was also a devoted lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sidney. From the late 1960s through the late 1970s, he proudly served in the American Legion Post Color Guard, earning first-place honors from the Department of New York Color Guard Champions for eleven consecutive years (1969–1979).

Richard will be remembered for his devotion to family, his passion for music, his service to community and country, and the warmth and kindness he shared with everyone he met.