NORWICH – Joseph F. Dibble, 95, of Norwich, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at the Crouse Community Center Nursing Home in Morrisville. Born November 13, 1917 in the Town of Lebanon, NY, Joe was the son of Wilbur and Amy (Rice) Dibble. On December 12, 1942, he married Gladys (Money) Dibble in Preston, NY. Gladys passed away on February 27, 1988. Together they shared 42 years of marriage.
Joe proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in December of 1945. During his service, he was stationed in England on the USS Lake Champlain. Upon his discharge from the service as a Seaman First Class, Joe earned the World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal and the European African Medal. He was a lifetime member of the Norwich American Legion Post 189 and the Norwich Lodge No. 302, F. & A.M.
Upon returning from his service, Joe was employed by The Bennett-Ireland Company in Norwich as a machine shop welder. For the remainder of his career he was employed by the Chenango County Highway Department as a foreman, retiring in 1985.
Beginning in 1961, Joe and Gladys rented a camp at Eaton Brook Reservoir and, in 1963, purchased their own camp there. They spent summers there entertaining friends and family. Joe enjoyed waterskiing and he patiently spent many hours teaching anyone who wanted to learn to ski. In later years, Joe and Gladys enjoyed winter months at their home in St. Cloud, Florida, and always welcomed visits from friends and family.
Joe was an avid deer and turkey hunter. At one time he travelled to Nova Scotia to go moose hunting. A mounted deer head, moose antlers and turkey feathers hang in his camp as proof of his hunting prowess.
In later years, Joe shared his life with Eleanor Mattison, who passed away in 2010.
Joe is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Reta (Money) and George Boise and a niece, Vicky B. Alexandra, all of Durhamville, NY; a nephew, Wayne H. Rice, of Interlachen, FL; great nephews, Trent (Debbie) Rice of Canastota, NY, Thomas Rice of Sherrill, NY; and many cousins. He was predeceased by his adopted brothers, George Tuller and Albert Gordon, and a sister, Eleanor Heagle. Joe had many caregivers who shared their love for him including Frances and Charles Joseph, Tom and Patricia Curtis, Mark Money, and a special thank you to his daily caregivers, Donna, Elizabeth, Betsy and Jackie.
Funeral services for Joe will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at the Wilson Funeral Home. Rev. Nancy Hale, pastor of the Broad Street United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will take place in the J.D. Lewis Cemetery in Preston. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at www.wilsonfh.com.