Obituary of C. Ronald Dickerson

C. Ronald Dickerson passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home in Mount Tabor on Saturday, August 14, 2021. He had shared 87 years of unconditional love creating priceless memories with family and friends. Ron left this world a better place than he found it.

Born in Dover and raised in Denville to the late Claude Elmer and Helen Mar Dickerson, he was one of two children to bless their household. He graduated from Boonton High School before attending Rutgers University where he was a member of the Army ROTC while he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Ron proudly served our country in the United States Army, both in the Army Reserves and in active duty as Company Commander in Fort Benning, Georgia.  He was honorably discharged as a Captain. 

He married Marie Riker Ober, on February 3, 1957 and they settled into Mt. Tabor to begin a family of their own. They have remained a staple in their community ever since. He was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church at Mt. Tabor, and he served many years on the the Camp Meeting Association Board of Trustees.  He thoroughly enjoyed belonging to the Mt. Tabor Historical Society, the Garden Club, and the Friends of the Library. He believed in staying active and was known in the community for helping others.

The Dickerson family has owned and operated the space most recently known as the Foodtown of Denville for five generations. It began in 1893 as Dickerson’s Market and had several name changes throughout the years but the entire shopping center still holds the beloved name, Dickerson’s Corner. In 2018, Ron officially retired after 70 years of running the business.  Many community members recall Ron hiring them for their first job. He was privileged to work along side his grandfather, father and son, as well as his daughters and granddaughters. 

Ron worked hard and played hard.  His passions included horseback riding, skiing, camping, canoeing, scuba diving, gardening, and traveling.  However, above anything else, his love for his family was unrivaled. The sun rose and set on his beloved wife, children, nine granddaughters, four great-grandchildren, sister, and friends that became family. He knew the true meaning of life was about the people you meet and the memories you make. To say he will be sorely missed is such an understatement. He will forever be treasured and remembered in our hearts and memories and his legacy of hard work and devotion will continue on for many generations to come.

He leaves only joyful memories to his beloved wife of 64 years, Marie; his loving children, Denise (Wayne) Bessemer, Lisa (Mitch) Cunningham, and Jeff (Sharon) Dickerson; his cherished grandchildren, Lisa (Stephen), Katie (Brad), Kasey (JJ), Taylor (Bryan), Laura (Patrick), Christine (Kevin), Morgan (Dave), Carly and Erin; his treasured great-grandchildren, Stephen, Ryder, Sophie, and Dylan; his caring sister, Gail (Terry) Fouse; and many extended family and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 6, 2022 at 9:30 in the morning at the United Methodist Church at Mt. Tabor, 5 Simpson Avenue, Mt. Tabor, New Jersey. 

Memorial Donations are being accepted in Ron’s memory to The United Methodist Church at Mount Tabor, 5 Simpson Avenue, PO Box 29, Mount Tabor, NJ 07878. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Ron here to continue to celebrate the incredible life he endowed to us.