Obituary of Richard Walter Dressel

RICHARD W. DRESSEL ~ On Thursday, September 3, 2009, surrounded by his family Richard Dressel, aged 54 passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. He is the cherished husband of Nancy (nee MacKenzie), loving father of Scott, R. G., and Natasha (predeceased), dearly loved son of Dorothy Dressel and her husband Ken Bukantas, of North Carolina, and the late Richard Dressel of Port Perry, brother to Denise Bradbury (husband Richard) and Scott Dressel (wife Gina) of Pennsylvania, son-in-law of Jane Kilburn and the late Scotty MacKenzie, brother-in-law of Joan Batchelor (husband Steve) of Port Perry, and Donna Austin of Minden. He will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews. The family of Richard Dressel will receive friends at The Port Perry United Church on Sunday, September 6th from 1:30 to 2:30 P.M. A service to celebrate his life will be held in the Church at 2:30 P.M. with Reverend Elaine Sveet officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made by cheque payable to Nancy Dressel for the Scott Dressel Education Fund in care of WAGG FUNERAL HOME, 216 Queen Street in Port Perry (905-985-2171). A 23 year veteran of the United States Navy, Richard served as an Electronics Technician Chief Petty Officer. His significant duty stations included tours onboard USS Michigan SSBN 727(BLUE), USS West Virginia SSBN 736 (BLUE), USS Kentucky SSBN 737 (BLUE), OTSU II Cape Canaveral, Florida, and NOTU Cape Canaveral, Florida. After completing a successful naval career, he continued serving his nation as an employee of TSA and BAE Systems. As quoted by Arthur Glover, Commander USSVI Capitol Base "submariner's served in a war that really received no national recognition, The Cold War! We had to leave our families for months at a time to go to foreign countries to exchange crews (blue and gold) in order for us to provide a deterrent to an attack on our nation. As a result of the steadfastness of Richard and those who served alongside him, the Berlin Wall came tumbling down, the Soviet Union was dissolved and a divided country was unified. Richard was and is a Cold War Hero and should be remembered that way." Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waggfuneralhome.com.