Obituary of Richard W. Dugan, Sr.

Lt. Richard William Dugan, Sr., Morris Township Police Department, [Retired]

Richard W. Dugan, Sr. [Dick, Dickie, Rich] age 92, of Morristown, died at home on December 25th of natural causes,

Born in Morristown, NJ and a lifelong resident of Morris Township, Dick was the son of William ​Dugan and Anne Loree Dugan and brother of the late Patricia Dugan Pozzi.   

He was a graduate of Morristown High School, class of 1949. In 1948 at age 17 he joined the Army National Guard in Morristown.  Fourteen months later he was deployed and served in the Korean War with the 112 Field Artillery Division from June 1950 until his discharge in 1952.  In 1978 he rejoined the National Guard, and after a total of 20 years of service he retired in 1994.

Following his service in the Army, Dick began his career with the Morris Township Police Department and served for 32 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. As part of his police training Dick attended the F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

After retirement from the police department, he worked for Morriston Medical Center in the emergency department as a medical technician.  He intended to work in the ER for 1 year, but remained there for 16 years. 

Dick loved Morris Township.  He was a true public servant. His community roles included serving as coach for the Twin Town Tigers football team and ​Fairchild Fire Company Little League team. He was an exempt member of the Fairchild Fire Company having served for 71 years and a 65-year member of the Morris Minute Men.   In addition, he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 3401 Morris Plains, American Legion Post 59, The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and Palm Beach Gardens Moose Lodge. In addition, he was a proud honorary member of the Morris Plains Rotary Club.

Dick was a 30 year member of Peace Pipe Country Club in Denville, NJ where he made many friendships and spent many happy hours on the golf course.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Anne [Peggy Riordan Bishop Dugan], and his four children Marjory Sheridan Underhill [Don, and sons TJ Sheridan & Donald Underhill, Jr.] Richard William, Jr. [Joann & daughter Molly], Michael [Denise and children Amanda & Michael Patrick], and Bill [Barbara].

He also leaves three stepchildren. Chris Bishop [Mary and children Brian and Katie], James Bishop [Tressa and sons Sam & MacLean] and Mark Bishop [Maryann]   

Dick loved his family, his town and his country.  He was a good man.   In many ways, he was the embodiment of the American Dream.  He helped many people; he brought joy to many more. And it seemed that everywhere he went, he would be greeted warmly and enthusiastically by someone he knew.

A celebration of Dick's life will include a memorial gathering on Tuesday, January 2^nd from 4 to 8pm at the Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ.  A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, January 3^rd at 10am at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 91 Maple Avenue, Morristown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Morris Minute Men, EMS, 97 Mill Road, Morris Plains, NJ 07960 or to Fairchild Fire Company, 2 Burnham Road, Morris Plains, NJ 07960.