Donald Frank Dickmann

Donald Frank Dickmann, 98, died peacefully on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Homewood at Plum Creek, Hanover, PA.

Born  August 27, 1925, in New York, NY, he was the son of the late Lillian M. (Wagner) and Stephen V. Dickmann.

Donald was preceded in death by the love of his life Joyce A. (Brandenburg) to whom he was married for 54 years and second wife Lorraine (Weimann Wysowski).  He was also preceded in death by his sister Theresa E. Dodin.

Donald is survived by his children; Donald R. Dickmann (Phyllis) of Petoskey, MI, Robert G. Dickmann of Nashville, TN, Marilyn E. Leiphart (Larry) of Glen Rock, PA, and Scott S. Dickmann (Stephanie) of Columbus, GA; seven grandchildren; Donna, Dan, Josh, Laura, Haley, Emily, and Ryan; 15 great-grandchildren; Tyler, Gavin, Fletcher, Lachlan, Dixon, Asher, Adeline, Lexi, Macie, Jenika, Eliza, Landon, Jay, Scottie, and Bo                                  

He was a 1943 graduate of the prestigious Bronx High School of Science.  During WWII, he volunteered in the United States Marine Corps, achieving rank of Corporal as an Aircraft Carburetor Mechanic, serving in the Central Pacific area, Okinawa Island Campaign; Third Fleet Operations against Japan and occupation of Kyushu, Japan.  When in the Marshall Islands in 1944 he met Charles Lindbergh who flight tested his F4U Corsair.  His Marine Corps service instilled values and strength of character that empowered the remainder of his life.

Upon discharge from the Marines, he worked for the Otis Elevator Company in New York City.  His work with Otis was highlighted by installing elevators in the United Nations Headquarters Building and subsequently acting as the Otis service technician for the UN complex.  During this time, he attended night school for 11 years on the GI Bill, obtaining a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn.  He worked as a Test Engineer for American Machine and Foundry (AMF) for 22+ years, moving his family from Merrick, LI, NY to Denver, CO, to Santa Barbara, CA to York, PA and to Shelton, CT.  With AMF he worked installing Titan ICBM launch systems in Colorado, Wyoming, and California.  He managed testing of AMF’s product lines including Harley-Davidson, Hatteras Yachts, Head Skis and Rackets, AMF Bowling, Ben Hogan Golf, Roadmaster Bicycles, AMF Gymnastics and Voit sports equipment in York, PA and Stamford, CT.  He finished his career with Sikorsky Aviation, Stratford, CT as their Worldwide Service Support Coordinator.

A love of airplanes from a young age led him to earn his private pilot’s license in 1959.  He constructed a home-built Pitts Special S-1 bi-plane in the basement of his house in only three years.  He volunteered in airplane restoration projects of a Sikorsky S-16 and VS-44A ‘Excambian’ flying boat exhibited at the New England Air Museum.  He enjoyed performing aerobatics, leisure flying and shooting weapons well into his 90’s.

He served as Commander of VFW Comcowich-Carver Post 597 in Derby, CT during the 50th Anniversary remembrance of WWII.  A Mason, he was also a member of the American Legion, National Rifle Association, Experimental Aircraft Association and Sikorsky Historical Association.  He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Shelton, CT.

Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA is in charge of arrangements. Following cremation, his remains will be interred at Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, NY at the convenience of the family.

Donations in Donald’s memory may be made to veteransairlift.org.

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