Richard Lavern Dehm, PhD.

Richard “Dick” Dehm, age 97, of Pittsford, completed his long and wonderful life on November 24, 2024. He was predeceased by his wife, Suzanne M. Dehm and grandchild, Bryce Moon Dehm. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Robb (Nancy) Dehm, Curt (Christine) Dehm. Ellen (Brad) Rye; and German foreign exchange student daughter Barbro Garenfeld; grandchildren and spouses, Adrienne and Alex Juergens; Erich and Sara Dehm; Troy and Mallory Holland Dehm; Lauren Rye-An and Chris An; Andrew Rye; Olivia Rye; and great-grandchildren Camden and Luna Dehm; Connor and Evelyn Juergens. Niece Heather Brubaker and nephews John  Moose and Jordan Johnstone.

Dick was born September 11, 1927 in Cullom, Illinois, the only child of Iva and Johan Dehm. He attended Cullom High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945. Dick attended Illinois Wesleyan University and the University of Illinois, where he earned a Master’s degree and a PhD in Analytical Chemistry.

During a college summer internship in Midland, Michigan, he met Suzanne Johnstone. They married on August 23, 1952. Sue and Dick enjoyed more than 70 years of marriage, raising a family, traveling the world and positively impacting many lives along the way.

Dick enjoyed a successful career of 35 years at Eastman Kodak Co., beginning in the Industrial Lab, then in senior management positions in Roll Coating, Product Development and Copy Products. He was part of the first class in the Kodak Executive Development program at the University of Rochester, where he earned an MBA in 1969.

Sue and Dick lived in Fairport, where they developed many dear and lifelong friends. Dick served on the Fairport Board of Education. They were members of Monroe Golf Club and Ski Valley. Dick especially loved skiing and pursued this passion until age 87. 

In 1959, Sue and Dick purchased Rabbit Island in the St. Lawrence River, Chippewa Bay, NY.  The land was only accessible by boat, undeveloped and didn't have electricity, but became an endless source of exciting projects for Dick to tackle. With the help of family and sometimes-unsuspecting friends up for the weekend, Dick designed and built two homes, a septic system and three docks. Rabbit Island became an amazing place to enjoy long summer days fishing, swimming, sailing, water-skiing and singing around the campfire. 

A life-long learner, Dick always asked questions, wondered how things worked and how things could be improved. He loved nothing more than sitting on the cliff at Rabbit Island, watching the ships go by, drinking a Manhattan and wishing he knew more about astronomy, weather forecasting, shipping, navigation, etc. 

Sue and Dick lived in Mendon for 23 years, where Dick served on the Board of the Mendon Foundation and on the Town of Mendon Zoning Board. After retirement, Dick became a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying small planes for several years. He was an excellent poker, euchre and pool player and enjoyed playing right up until two days before his passing.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs Street, Rochester, on December 4th at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of calling hours, friends are invited to a reception in the church immediately following the service.

Donations in his memory are appreciated for the Third Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, 4 Meigs Street, Rochester, NY 14607 or at this link Third Presbyterian Church.

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