Richard (Dick) Dashner

OSWEGO – Richard (Dick) Dashner of Oswego, NY passed away peacefully on 12-31-23 at the still young age of 92. He was surrounded by family who handed him off to his best friend and love of his life, his late wife Nancy.

Dick was born in Oswego on February 14, 1931 to the late Donald and Mabel Dashner. He always joked that most women got a box of candy for Valentine’s Day, but his mom got him.

He attended area schools, but hated it. He said that his parents would drop him off at school and he would turn around and be back home before they were.

Always looking for the next adventure, he left high school before graduating and joined the Navy. He served aboard the U.S.S. Corregidor in the Korean War from 1951 to 1955 and achieved the rank of  Petty Officer Second Class. The Navy also provided him with the opportunity to obtain his GED.

Returning from the Navy he met and fell in love with Nancy Robbins. They married in 1956. Parenthood followed and Dick became an apprentice electrician. He worked in downtown Oswego at Schneider and Mackin, and back in the day he repaired everything from washers and dryers to toasters. He even put up the downtown Christmas lights! For his apprenticeship he also attended night school. Summer Friday nights after school usually included a trip to Rudy’s for a fish sandwich and a chocolate milk with Nancy and 4 kids!

Dick was a Journeyman Electrician and a very proud member of IBEW Local 328 and then Local 43. He also worked for CPS Electric. He fondly remembered wiring many local landmarks including Lanigan Hall and Penfield Library at Oswego State, the expansions at the Oswego Steam Station, Nine Mile Point Units 1 & 2, Fitzpatrick, and Nestle.

For many years, Dick, Nancy, and the kids took a few weeks in the summer to relax and have fun at South Sandy Pond. Dick spent many a day there in his youth and gleefully shared it with his wife and children. Parties at the Bardechewski’s and Wood’s places were legendary!

After retiring in 1993, Dick and Nancy traveled and spent time with their many friends. They also managed to spend some summer time at South Sandy Pond with their children and grandchildren. Everyone had to learn to water ski!

More recently he enjoyed going to the local casinos with his children and grandchildren. Not much money was won, but good times were certainly had, and great memories were made.

This Fall, Dick started having health problems. He had open heart surgery in October and seemed to literally breeze through it at 92. His recovery was good enough to let him come home. Unfortunately, he had some issues that started to happen and it was one step forward and two steps back. His humor and quick wit never faltered and when he decided he didn’t have the strength to keep going, he gave up…all the while complaining that “dying was taking too goddamn long”.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Mabel, his brother Charles (Joy) Dashner, and his beloved wife Nancy.

He is survived by his children; Rick (Tina), Diana, Marsha, and Nancy (John). He is also survived by his wonderful granddaughters; Alexandra (Jonathan), Lindsay, Marisa (Ryan), and Logan (Eric).

Per Dick’s wishes there will be no services. He didn’t want a fuss.

Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.