John F. Dickman

HOLDEN – John F. Dickman, Jr., 74, of Holden, died at home on Monday, August 27, 2007, after a long illness. He and his wife, Sheila C. (Murray) Dickman were married 50 years on August 17, 2007. Family and friends gathered together to celebrate on August 25th.

In addition to his wife, he leaves four children; Kevin M. Dickman of Juneau, Alaska, Patricia C. Szczurko of Rutland, Mary E. Dickman of Holden and John F. Dickman, III and his wife Sandra (Bonczyk) of Millbury; four grandchildren, Geralyn and Amanda Szczurko, Sean and Michael Dickman; two sisters, Jean Harrington and Sheila Wykes both of Holden; a brother, James Dickman of Shrewsbury and New Hampshire; and many nieces and nephews. A sister, Blanche Skillings of Holden, predeceased him.

Born on February 23, 1933 in Jefferson, he was the son of the late John F. and Johanna (Welsh) Dickman, Sr. He was a graduate of Holden High School and attended the New England School of Accounting and Becker College. He served as a torpedoman’s mate, third class, aboard the submarine U.S.S. Jallao from 1953 to 1956. It was the first U.S. submarine to transit the Suez Canal. After serving in the Navy, he worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in its small loan agency department as a bank examiner until his retirement in 1978. He was an avid sports fan and a long time supporter of youth sports. He coached football, baseball and hockey teams in Holden, and refereed local high school football games in central Massachusetts for many years. He was a member of St. George’s Church and a former member and treasurer of the Knights of Columbus.

The family would like to convey a special thank you to all the dedicated staff at UMass Memorial Home Health and Chadwick Medical Group who assisted with John’s care throughout the years.

The funeral for John will be held on Thursday, August 30th, from the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. George’s Church, 38 Brattle Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue (Rte. 56), Paxton. Calling hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29th, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name can either be made to UMass Memorial Home Health, 650 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605; or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101A First Avenue – Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451-1115.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com