Peter Francis Dickson Obituary
Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel HillPeter Francis Dickson passed away on September 26, 2025, at Highline Place Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado. He was born on October 14, 1944, at Florence Army Air Field in Florence, South Carolina. At the time of his birth, both of his parents were serving in the United States Army.
Pete spent most of his childhood in Middlesex, New Jersey. He attended Middlesex High School, where he developed an interest in chemistry and mathematics. He also enjoyed target shooting, hunting, and athletics, particularly track and wrestling. After graduating in 1963, Pete enlisted in the United States Air Force. He completed basic training and aviation school at Shepherd AFB in Texas, where he learned aircraft maintenance. He was then assigned as a flight-line mechanic at Eglin AFB in Florida and later at Howard AFB in Panama. Promoted to crew chief and placed on flight status, Pete loved sharing stories about keeping the C-47s serviceable and ready to fly at a moment's notice.
In 1967, Pete began his college education at Middlesex County College, earning an associate degree in 1969. He went on to Rutgers University, graduating with honors in 1973 with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. Encouraged by his professors, he pursued and earned a Master's Degree in Chemistry in 1976.
Pete began his career at Ciba-Geigy in New Jersey in 1973, working as an analytical chemist in drug discovery. When Ciba-Geigy merged with Sandoz in 1996 to form Novartis, he continued his work until retiring in 2006. Even after retirement, he served as a consultant for pharmaceutical firms in the United States and Europe. One of his notable achievements was the development of a chemical product for an Italian pharmaceutical company. Pete often shared stories about his work, reflecting his deep love for chemistry—a passion well recognized by his many friends and colleagues.
In 2006, Pete moved to Colorado. He soon became involved in the local dance community, where he met Judy in 2008. They were married in 2012 and shared a love of dancing, hiking, and bicycling. Together they traveled widely—from the northwest to the southeast, and from the southwest to the northeast—visiting family, friends, and national parks along the way. Most importantly, through the years they grew together in their relationship with the Lord.
Pete is survived by his wife, Judith Bryan Dickson; his sister, Janice Laeyt, of Broomfield, Colorado; his daughter, Christine Dickson, and grandson, Aurelius, of San Francisco, California; and his son, Peter Dickson, and grandson, Levi, of Clinton, New Jersey.
A memorial service will be held at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, located at 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO, 80121, on October 14, 2025, at 10:00 am. A reception will follow at the same location.
A committal service is scheduled at Fort Logan National Cemetery, located at 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO, 80236, on October 14, 2025, from 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Pete's name to Family Research Council or Turning Point USA.
