DICKEY

JOHN BOYD

With equal parts gratitude for a life well lived and sorrow that he is gone, we share that John Boyd Dickey, 84, of Pittsburgh, peacefully passed surrounded by love and family on July 28, 2026. John was born on June 16, 1942, at the family farmhouse in Berlin, PA, son of the Rev. Samuel Boyd Dickey and Francine (Berg) Dickey. Following in his parent's footsteps, John led a life of service. He was a 1960 graduate of Kennard-Dale High School and a graduate of Elizabethtown College, class of 1964. After college he moved to Greencastle, PA, to teach high school history for more than a decade, before answering a call to ministry. John graduated from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1980. From there he had the privilege of serving PCUSA churches throughout Western Pennsylvania, including in McKeesport, Enon Valley, Ambridge, and New Brighton. He was a gifted and beloved minister, faithfully leading his congregations for more than three decades. He found great purpose in being a reverend but loved being a father most. Never one to sit out, John patiently led five kids down the snowy bunny hill countless times or lent them courage on a bumpy wooden rollercoaster ride. He spent many hours on the sidelines of various fields and courts encouraging them and told and retold favorite bedtime stories, writing the manual on how to be a present, loving, devoted dad through each stage of fatherhood. He also excelled as a grandpa and will be sorely missed by his many grandkids who could always count on him for great big hugs, ice cream, and an extra book before bed. Upon retirement, John moved downtown and joined the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, where he continued to serve his community through weekly volunteering at Outreached Arms and through Prison Fellowship as a mentor for the formerly incarcerated. He also got to know the ushers at PNC Park, Heinz Hall, and other venues quite well, walking or riding his bicycle to many ballgames, concerts, plays, and lectures in his spare time. John never met a stranger. He could competently talk about anything from architecture to farming to the Buccos bullpen to opera. He was a man of many interests but loved getting to know people most of all. Over the years he impacted so many lives, generously giving his time to those lucky enough to know him. He will be remembered for his faith, his optimism, his wit, and all the love he had to give to everyone he encountered. He exemplified what it means to be a good neighbor. John's big brothers Bruce and Dave beat him to heaven, and the Dickey Boys are no doubt enjoying catching up. He leaves behind his legacy of love and service in his children, Julie (Sean) Rucker, Matthew (Mandy) Phillips, Adam (Clara) Phillips, David (Ashley) Dickey, and Christine (Joseph) Hinchey; his grandchildren, Carson, Madison, Turner, Parker, Sawyer, Maddox, Zoey, Jackson, Sidney, and Camille; and his great-grandchildren, Henry and Jacob. The family will welcome friends for visitation (9 a.m.-11 a.m.) and a celebration of his remarkable life (11 a.m.-12 p.m.) to be held at First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh (320 Sixth Ave., 15222) on Friday, September 4, 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary or First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh. Arrangements entrusted to DEANER FUNERAL HOME, Berlin.

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