Donald W. Dickinson

Donald W. Dickinson, 97, longtime Ithaca businessman, died Monday, April 02, 2018. He was born in Ithaca, NY on October 26, 1920 to the late Helen and Ralph Dickinson.

Don's life was intertwined with the history of downtown Ithaca. He and his siblings, Douglas and Norma attended Fall Creek Elementary School and Ithaca High School. He graduated in 1938, worked at Ithaca Gun for a short time before joining the United States Marine Corps in 1942. After World War II he came back to Ithaca to work in the family business; Dickinson Paint and Wallpaper, located on East State St. across from the old Strand Theater. His father opened the store in the early 1930's as the Depression was ending. Don married at age 21, and adopted his wife's son Charles. His son, Donald Francis was born in 1942.

In 1957 Don built a new paint store, Dickinson's Paint and Floor Covering, in the current True Insurance Company at 124 Seneca Way. In 1964 he decided to do something new and different so he purchased the Dean of Ithaca Moving and Storage Company and warehouse at 401 E. State Street (built in 1924 by Harry Dean.) Don used to laugh at receiving many pieces of mail addressed to "Dean of Ithaca College." Don retired at 80 years old, and sold the property which is now the Gateway Plaza.

Don spent almost 20 years as a coordinator in the Ithaca Rotary Youth Exchange Program, working with teens and their host families and enjoying lifelong relationships, especially with their first student, Anne Pedersen, visiting her in Denmark many times. Don was a life member and prior to his death the oldest living member of Ithaca Elks Lodge #636 and was a charter member of the Friends of Ithaca College which he had been with since its inception in 1957.

Don had some great loves in his life. First and foremost he loved his wife Sylvia (Sue). They were business partners and partners in every way throughout their 40 plus year marriage. He and Sue spent many wonderful winters in Tavares, Florida. Golf was another lifelong love-especially with his loyal golf buddies, Jim Johnston, Tim Ainslie, and Neil Olver.


In addition to his beloved wife, Sue, Don is also survived by his grandchildren, Chris Dickinson Werner (Don), Brian Dickinson, Jackie (Ed) Maasson, Jodi (Carl) Leuchten, and Joseph (Tara) Comba and great grandsons, Riley and Skyler Maasson, Mark and John Leuchten, and Riley Comba. In addition to his parents Don was also predeceased by his sons, Don and Charles.

Funeral services will be celebrated by Rev. Rebecca Dolch on Monday, April 09, 2018 at 12 pm at the Forest Home Chapel. Friends may call on Sunday, April 08, 2018 from 12 to 2 pm at the Bangs Funeral Home where members of the Ithaca Elks will conduct a ritual service at 1:30 pm. Gifts in Don's honor and memory may be directed to Hospicare or to the charity on one's choice.

Sunday, April 08, 2018 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Bangs Funeral Home, Inc. 209 W Green St. Ithaca, New York 14850

Monday, April 09, 2018 12:00 PM

Forest Home Chapel 222 Forest Home Dr. Ithaca, NY 14850