Duane C. “Skip” Dickerson, 79, a resident of Newtown since 1956, died May 8, at St Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport. He was born in Bridgeport, in April of 1934, to Jeanette N. Dickerson and Chileon Dickerson of Fairfield.

Mr Dickerson graduated from Roger Ludlowe High School in 1953. He was employed at Sport Hill Service Station of Fairfield for 33 years, and Key Lincoln Mercury of Bridgeport for an additional 11 years as shop foreman.

He was a United States Army veteran, serving in Alaska from 1957 to 1959.

He was active in the Boys Scouts and Little League Baseball, coaching for many years in Newtown. He was also an avid classic car enthusiast. Mr Dickerson enjoyed restoring classic cars and showing them at local car shows and cruise nights with his son David.

One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his grandchildren and attending their many activities. He was a babysitter, coach, and best friend to all of his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mr Dickerson’s family remembers him as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother. His wife, Eleanor (Keane) Dickerson and three children and spouses, Wendy and Arthur Fuller of Newtown, David Dickerson and Anita Holtz of Newtown, and Pamela and Paul Gunneson of Cheshire; grandchildren Kaitlin, Courtney, Mackenzie and Casey Fuller of Newtown, and Kelly, Brittney and Connor Gunneson of Cheshire; and one great-grandchild survive Mr Dickerson. In addition to grandchildren, Chick and Mae Dickerson and Jessie and Alfred Ceccarelli of Newtown and Robert and Yolanda Dickerson of Florida;  several nieces and nephews; an aunt, Florence N. Fensky; and several other relatives survive him.

The family is offering many thanks for the kind care that Mr Dickerson received at St Vincent’s Medical Center, and special thanks and gratitude to Dr Milton Cooper for his friendship and compassionate care for 54 years.

Friends and family may were invited to call at Honan Funeral Home of Newtown on Friday, May 10. The funeral service was to take Saturday, May 11, at the funeral home, followed by interment in Resurrection Cemetery, South Main Street, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Newtown Babe Ruth Baseball, PO Box 133, Newtown CT 06470 or www.newtownbaseball.com.