Born on December 06, 1931, in Enhaut, PA. He was the last surviving of the seven Dickey brothers. Being “Pop Pop” to his nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren was his greatest joy. He cherished singing, playing card games, and reading with them. He loved playing cards for pennies (Hearts was his game of choice), sitting on his porch with friends and family, toiling in his garden, and soaking up the sun in Ocean City, MD. When not with friends and family, he would relax by watching his beloved Phillies (aka “Phoolies”) and Track & Field events. He had a sharp wit and quick tongue honed by years of crossword puzzles, countless books, and many reruns of his favorite sit-com, The Big Bang Theory. Ken shared his love of sports through coaching and mentoring athletes for over 45 years. He was recognized for his contribution to High School athletics by being inducted into the Capital Area Chapter Sports Hall of Fame and was an active member of the PIAA.
Ken graduated from Swatara High School in 1950. Soon thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. For three of his four years he was stationed in Great Britain, where he met his wife, Peggy. They were married in Cardiff, Wales. Upon returning to the United States, with a short stay in Charleston, SC, Ken and Peg made their way back to the Harrisburg area. He graduated from Shippensburg University in 1959 with a degree in education. In 1964 Ken earned his master’s degree in education from Temple University.
Ken taught and coached sports at Edison Jr. High in Harrisburg before settling in Camp Hill. For 24 years “Mr. Dickey” was a history teacher, Coach, and the Athletic Director at Camp Hill High School, before retiring in 1994. Under his tenure, Camp Hill athletics amassed multiple championships and ran like clockwork. This also gave Ken a front row seat to his children’s athletic and academic endeavors.
Surviving Ken are his children, Catherine Swartz and her husband Mike of Downingtown, PA, Jonathan Dickey and his wife Angie of Ephrata, PA, and Ann Bowler and her husband Gregg of Raleigh, NC. His 9 grandchildren: Emily Todd and her husband Matt, Eric Swartz and his wife Emily, and Haley Swartz, Erin, Nathaniel, and Roman Dickey, and Sarah, Allison, and Jack Bowler. His 3 great grandchildren: Eloise, Liam, and Archie Todd, and his many nieces and nephews.
A memorial gathering will be held on Friday April 19, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00pm at Neill Funeral Home; 3401 Market Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to ComServ Inc, a cause close to his heart and in support of his granddaughter Sarah. Comserv Inc is an organization that enhances the lives of persons with disabilities and their families by expanding opportunities of maximum growth and independence; Comserv Inc. PO Box 1080, Lenoir, NC, 28645.
