Richard Edward Dicks, ND of Denville, New Jersey, passed peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 7 2026. He had shared 80 years of unconditional love unforgettable memories, priceless wisdom, and lots of laughter with family and friends.
Born on a sunny day in July in 1945 in Hammonton, New Jersey, Richard was the son of the late Josephine(Conforti) and Harold Dicks. He was one of five children raised in Rockaway, NJ where he grew up. He was proud to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment that reflected the character leadership and dedication that would define his life. He graduated from Morris Hills Regional High School Class of 1963 and later served in the United States Air Force, where he also graduated from South Western State College.
It was at Morris Hills High School that Richard met the love of his life and best friend Carol Schintzel. They were married for nearly six decades and built a life of joy, love, family and adventure.
Dr. Dicks is widely known and respected as a Naturopathic Doctor and Educator whose passion was helping others live healthier fuller lives to the MAX!! He had a remarkable ability to connect with people; clients quickly became friends and friends became family. His warmth, curiosity and genuine care made every conversation meaningful. He truly never met a stranger— he spoke with everyone and remembered their story.
At his core Richard was a teacher whether he was sharing knowledge about health, investing or life lessons, he loved passing along what he had learned. He was a perennial student of life and an energetic hardworking man who never retired. His enthusiasm and drive seemed endless our energizer bunny.
Richard had a relentless passion for hunting and fishing who never knew when to get out of the woods. Sitting in his tree stand waiting for a buck was his happy place. Fishing was something he especially cherished sharing with his family, creating memories that have stretched generations.
More than anything else, Richard adored his family. His grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. Seeing his little guys every day brought him immense happiness, and he treasured every moment spent with all of them. Seeing his twin granddaughters blossoming into strong young women warmed his heart.
Although we are deeply saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his treasured son, Garrett Dicks; his parents Josephine and Harold Dicks; his siblings, Robert Dicks and Sharon Strada; his brother in law Richard Timinski; and his son in law Tim Waite.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Carol (Schintzel) Dicks; his loving children Shelley Waite & the (late Tim Waite) of Landenberg, PA, Brandon Dicks & his wife Amanda of Lawrence, Kansas and Lindsey Dicks & her husband Christopher Mellon of Denville, NJ; his cherished grandchildren, Rebecca Waite, Rachel Decarlo & her husband Zachary, Alexander Mellon, Zachary Mellon, and Ariella Mellon; his caring sisters, Shirley and Jack Rubino, Beverly Sutton and Dennis Arslanian; his dear sister in law Denise Timinski & the (late Richard Timinski); his chosen brother Hoppy Rodenbaugh, and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Richard was a man with a powerful presence —when he walked into a room, people knew it. His kindness, wisdom, humor, and boundless energy touched countless lives. He gave freely of his time, his knowledge, and his heart.
Public Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12th from 4 - 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Friday, March 13th at 11:30 am at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Locust Hill Cemetery, 168 N. Sussex Street, Dover, NJ 07801.
His legacy lives on in the many people he helped, the family he loved so deeply, and the countless conversations, lessons, and memories he leaves behind. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
If you would like to honor Richard in a different way, donations are being accepted in his memory to support an organization near and dear to his heart, the Denville Scouts, by clicking here.