Leonard J. Dickson

Leonard James Dickson completed his allotted orbits around the sun and has begun his eternal journey through the cosmos. He had been afflicted with cardiac issues, diabetes, and bone cancer.

Leonard was born at Fort Lee, Virginia, (March 19, 1947) to Cecil H. and Alnora (Lockwood) Dickson, the second of four sons. He was educated in the Manchester school system and was a graduate of Manchester High School Central.

He enlisted in the United States Army in 1966, and was trained as a Military Police officer. He was assigned to the 127th Military Police company and deployed with the company to Vietnam, where he served for a year and a half. He then served with Company D of the 508th Military Police Battalion at Fort Riley KS until his term of service expired, having attained the rank of sergeant. He received an honorable discharge upon completion of his entire enlistment.

Upon leaving service to his country, Len earned an Associate Degree in Computer Science from Concord College, Manchester, NH, magna cum laude. He also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management, magna cum laude, through the University of New Hampshire system. Len started his new career at American International Group Data Center as a junior computer programmer. Len progressed through several levels and gained valuable experience. He was also employed with CIGNA Corporation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Hampshire and Vermont, EnergyNorth, North American Specialty Insurance Company, RealWorld Corporation, Software Quality Partners, and Renaissance Greeting Card Company.

Leonard was a voracious reader; his main focus was history and historical novels. He enjoyed cooking and preparing meals for gatherings of family and friends. He also enjoyed woodworking, fishing, photography, and was an amateur astronomer.

Len is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Carolyn DeVore Dickson, his youngest brother, Frederick, of Milford New Hampshire. He is pre-deceased by two brothers, Robert (The Big Kahuna), of Inverness, Florida, and Donald Sr. of St. Petersburg, Florida, plus several nieces and nephews.

He also leaves behind several of his dearest friends, Sheila LaRoche, Terry Sylvain, Deb Norton, Allun and Jo Hamblett, Sam and Rachael Shutt, Ellen Wolfe. He loves them all.

Len and Carolyn’s family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Bedford Hospice and Home Instead Home Care for the wonderful care they provided to Len through the last difficult months.

SERVICES: There will be a memorial gathering on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 2 – 4 p.m. at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, in Manchester. Private interment will take place at the convenience of the family at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, in Boscawen.

If one feels the need to make a meaningful donation, Len’s wishes are for donations to a homeless Veterans’ shelter (a national disgrace) and any animal shelter.

Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium assisted the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to https://phaneuf.net/