John F. Dyer Jr.

John F. Dyer Jr., of Cheshire, Norfolk and New Milford, Conn., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Aug. 13, 2023, at the age of 96. He was born in Winsted to John F. Dyer Sr. and Julia F. Dyer.

John attended Gilbert High School in Winsted and received an associate degree from the University of Connecticut at Storrs. He was a WWII veteran who proudly served in the army from 1944 to 1946, where he was stationed in the Philippines and then in Japan. He was married for 62 years until his wife, Mary’s, passing in 2011. After working in the agricultural field, he moved into the automotive parts industry as a manager. He then became a 911 dispatcher for the New Milford Emergency Services.

John taught his family the importance of community service. He was a devoted member of New Milford’s Water Witch Hose Company #2 for 67 years and served as a past chief. He spent over 30 years as an EMT and board member for the New Milford Community Ambulance. He was also an active participant in St. Francis Xavier Church and, in later years, the Church of the Epiphany and St. Bridget of Sweden Parish.

His interests included ski jumping as a teenager in Salisbury, country music, flying and travel with family, and he was an avid Boston Red Sox fan.

John was devoted to his family, including children Joanne (Ernie), Tom, Clare (Steve) and Jim (Kelli); grandchildren Cara (Dan), Mike (John), Stephanie (Francesco), Hayden, Sarah (Dave), Nick (Maria), Sara (Ryan) and Susan; and great-grandchildren Joshua, Nathan, Caitlyn, Nicole, Colin and Gemma; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

John’s funeral took place on Aug. 28 at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in New Milford.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory with a gift of unexpected kindness, or consider a donation to the Water Witch Hose Company #2 or St. Bridget of Sweden Church, Cheshire, Conn.