Captain Dennis Vincent Dyckman, USNR (Ret): dedicated patriot, leader, father, shipmate and friend, began his eternal patrol on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at his home in Shermans Dale, PA. He was 80 years old.
Dennis was born July 12, 1945 in Long Beach, CA to parents Robert and Patricia, and grew up in Creve Coeur, MO. He graduated from Chaminade College Preparatory School before attending the University of Missouri on a scholarship as part of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). Upon graduation in 1968, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He later completed a Masters of Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University in 1986.
Before graduating from the University of Missouri, Dennis had the extraordinary opportunity to interview with the brilliant and visionary Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, known as the ‘Father of the Nuclear Navy.’ Every officer entering the Navy’s nuclear program was required to be personally screened by him. Dennis’s successful interview opened the door to training in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force, affectionately known as the ‘Silent Service.’ He earned his initial dive qualifications on the USS Becuna (SS-319), his approach officer qualification on the USS Blenny (SS-324) and ultimately received his prized submarine dolphins (Submarine Warfare Insignia) aboard the fast attack submarine USS Jack (SSN-605). Dennis thrived in the dynamic world of fast-attack submarines before transitioning to strategic deterrent missions aboard the ballistic missile submarine USS John Marshall (SSBN-611), serving as Navigator, Operations Officer, and Executive Officer. He later left active duty to devote himself to being present and available for his children, a testament to his deep commitment to family.
Dennis continued serving in the US Navy Reserves, holding assignments with Submarine Development Group 2, Submarine Squadron Eight, and the Naval War College. He commanded the USS Emory S. Land Reserve Detachment 106 before retiring as a Captain in 1991. Beyond the Navy, Dennis guided young scouts as Den Leader of Den 10 in Pack 360, inspiring service, leadership and love of country—a legacy reflected in his three sons, who became Eagle Scouts like their father and had careers in the naval service. His expertise in nuclear engineering also contributed to Pennsylvania’s safety, including critical work at Three Mile Island and oversight of the state’s nuclear power plants.
He delighted in sharing adventures with others yet never hesitated to strike out alone if needed—fully embracing life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a spirit of exploration. Over the years, Dennis earned a private pilot’s license, was involved in early scuba diving (around the time of Jacques Cousteau), skied, sailed, hiked, traveled across the world and was an avid reader. Later, he pursed hunting, model-making, and even competitive shooting. He was a member of the Hunters’ and Anglers’ Association shooting team and the William Penn Pistol League and he competed at the highest national levels while attending several National Matches at Camp Perry, OH. For his efforts, he earned several shooting championship medals at both the individual and team level and even won awards for some of his homemade aircraft models.
He made his home at a place he fondly named Shangri-La; a little place of land where he pursed his passions while focusing on continued involvement with various veteran’s groups, including the US Submarine Veterans Inc. and the Sons of the American Revolution, and where he entertained friends and family alike. His daughter always remained close by and was the first to provide him with the joy of grandchildren. He touched the lives of his children, grandchildren, and everyone around him in ways that will be felt long after his passing—far more than he may have ever known. Captain Dennis Vincent Dyckman’s life was marked by courage, curiosity, and unwavering dedication to his country, his family, and all who knew him. He will be profoundly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert V. Dyckman and Agnes (Patricia) Dyckman (Groesch). He is survived by his children: daughter, Julie Harr (Chris) of Harrisburg, PA; sons: CDR Theodore Dyckman (Leslie) USN(Ret) of California, MD, CDR Damian Dyckman (Jessica), USNR, MD, PhD of Atlanta, GA, and CDR Joseph Dyckman (Tara), USN of Virginia Beach, VA,; his brother: Duane Dyckman (Judy) of Houston, TX, and twelve grandchildren: Mica Sussman (Jeremy), Clare Harr, Emilie Harr, Samuel Dyckman, Melanie Dyckman, Theodore Dyckman, Katherine Dyckman, Grace Dyckman, Bridget Dyckman, Charles Dyckman, Nicholas Dyckman, Amelia Dyckman, and eleven nieces and nephew and various other family. He also leaves behind his German Shepherd Rex, who was a trusty pal and ball-sports ringleader. Dennis was blessed with the love of his family, and the faithful companionship and devotion of Cathy, who provided him with friendship and security. To her the family is immensely grateful for helping him at the time of his passing.
A public viewing will be held at Neill Funeral Home on Sunday, May 17, 2026, 3501 Derry St, Harrisburg, PA at 5:00 to 7:00 pm with Parastas at 6:00 pm. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:30 am, preceded by a viewing at 9:30 am, on May 18th, at St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church, Lower Paxton Township. Burial will be at 1:00 PM Monday at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Memorial Donations may be made to:
Sons of the American Revolution, Pennsylvania Society, District 4, with checks made out to: Washingtonburg Chapter SAR, memo ‘Memory of Dennis Dyckman’, mailed to: Attention: Col. Alvin Wayne Burgess, 31 Simmons Creek Lane, Enola PA 17025
Keystone Subvets, a PA based chapter of the United States Submarine Veterans Inc., with checks made out to: USSVI, memo ‘Memory of Dennis Dyckman’, mailed to: James Gilles, Keystone Base Treasurer, 988 Creek Road, Manheim PA, 17545.
