Obituary of Steven Joseph Dachisen
It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of Steven “Skip” Dachisen Sr.; a long-time and proud resident of Rockaway Township who passed away on August 16, 2024.
Skip was born on March 2nd of 1932 to Joseph and Agnes Dachisen in Rockaway Borough, New Jersey. He was raised alongside his five siblings and graduated from Rockaway High School where he was voted “best dressed.” Skip then enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for four years. During his time in the Navy, he worked as a flight crewman on the U.S.S. Coral Sea during the Korean War. His service was something that he was extremely proud of and his dedication and commitment to his country will never be forgotten.
Once Skip returned home, he happened to travel to Times Square for the New Years Eve festivities with some friends. It was on this spontaneous trip that he met the love of his life, Marion. The pair were married in May of 1956 and shared nearly 70 years of love and laughter together. They raised their family in Rockaway Township where Skip began his career as a police officer. He served for 33 years in the Rockaway Township Police Department and even attended school and earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration while working full-time and raising a family. His hard work and education resulted in Skip becoming Chief of Police; a title which he held with pride and honor for over 13 years. Skip also served a term as president of the Morris County Police Chief Association and was thrilled when his son Darren was elected to the same position 20 years later.
Skip spent as much time as possible with his beloved family. Skip and Marion brought 5 wonderful children into the world together and loved them with all their hearts. Skip was a history buff especially with the American Civil War, loved golf, potato chips, and perfecting his yardwork skills. In his retirement Skip and Marion were “snow birds” in Port Charlotte Florida. His greatest title and legacy however was being “Pop” to his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and he found no greater joy then supporting them in everything they did.
Though it brings us such sadness to see his presence gone from this world, we take comfort in knowing that Skip (the self-proclaimed “best looking Dachisen”) is reunited once more with those who passed before him; his son, Michael Dachisen Sr., his grand-daughter Nicole, and his siblings, John, Joseph, Peter, Andrew, and Catherine. It is now that we look to those, he leaves behind to carry on his legacy of kindness, dedication, and service. Skip’s survivors include his beloved wife, Marion Dachisen, his children, Stephen J. Dachisen Jr. (Pamela), Robert Dachisen (Kim), Darren Dachisen (Jennifer), Lisa Perrotti (Franco), Michael’s wife, Catherine Dachisen, his grandchildren, Stephen III, Sean, Eric, Samantha, Leandra, Michael Jr., Angela, Derek, Devan, Autumn, Quinn, Giovanni, Darren Jr., Kaylyn, Francesca, Rocco, Mario, his 10 great grandchildren, his 5 step-great grandchildren, as well as many friends and neighbors who will remember him fondly.
If you would like to continue Skip’s memory in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to St Judes. Memorial Donations can be made via inmemof.org.
Hours of public visitation for Skip are scheduled for Sunday, August 25 from 2 to 6 PM, with a vigil service to be held at 5 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 26th at 10:30 AM at St. Clement’s Church of Dover. A procession will follow immediately after to Rockaway Presbyterian Cemetery of Rockaway for a graveside service. Please come and celebrate the life of this incredible man!
Please leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let Skip’s light shine!
