Leroy Dixon

Born on November 5, 1930, in Ramsey, New Jersey, Leroy Dixon was the son of Leroy Sr. and Jane Dixon. Never one for too much formality, everyone who knew him found out he preferred to just be called Roy.

Roy grew up in a very traditional time where service to your country and family was important. At a young age, He was sent to study at the New York Military Academy where he learned about discipline and courage. He would carry that knowledge to his service in the National Guard. It was in Ramsey though, where he met the woman he would call his ‘Sweetheart.’

Roy had known Irene from the same town for some years before they dated, and eventually, Roy and Irene exchanged vows at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Ramsey, New Jersey on July 22, 1950. The couple was blessed with their firstborn child, Susie on July 1, 1951.

The little family decided to follow the in-laws Dorothy and Alfred to sunny Florida in 1957. Their first house was built in 1958 and daughter Sandy was born on September 21, 1961. Timmy followed on September 2, 1963; the family joke was that Mom labored on Labor Day. Pat followed on June 25, 1965. It was soon time for a bigger house because along came Steve on November 2, 1972 while Sue was away at college. Kevin rounded off the numbers on August 6, 1975 - just a few months before Sue's wedding!

Of course, things weren't always sunny. On October 4, 1976 the family's beloved Timmy died suddenly immediately after being diagnosed with leukemia. It hit the family very hard. It took many years for the family to recover from their loss. Roy was strong throughout the ordeal, but it was obvious he suffered greatly from the loss of his beloved Timmy. Other happy events came along with time, and Roy did what he could to surprise the family with trips to the Keys and to a family favorite, Disney World.

Once their last child went to college, Roy and his wife Irene moved from Hollywood to Fort Pierce, FL, to enjoy their retirement. They spent over a decade together celebrating holidays and enjoying visits from their children. Roy even joined a wood carving club and found some interest in painting and playing cards with friends. Some fond memories he spoke of were with his wonderful wife and their friends at dinner dances, or at the Elks club meetings and social events.

Roy passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2012, at the Hospice by the Sea in Boca Raton, FL. He is survived by his two daughters, Susan Christensen, and Sandy Schwartz, his sons Patrick Dixon, Steven Dixon, and Kevin Dixon, and his granddaughters Elizabeth, Christine, Jessica, and Amanda. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, May 14th, 2012, 11:00 am at St. Lucie Catholic Church, 280 SW Prima Vista Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34983. PH: 772-878-1215.

Roy was a loving husband, and a supportive Father. He was an obviously social person who loved to talk to strangers and tell them a story about his family, and how proud he was of his children and grandchildren. Anyone who met him could usually recite his life story, and certainly herd about his wonderful wife, Irene. Everyone will remember him as the man who is going to be reunited with his soul mate, his ‘sweetheart,’ Irene.