John Gerard Dibble

John Dibble, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away at his home on October 27, 2024, at the age of 83, surrounded by his loved ones. Known for his strength, resilience, and cheerfulness, John leaves behind a legacy of hard-work, and love for the Lord and his family. He was known as a twin with boundless energy, who had a passion for flying airplanes, eating peanut-butter crackers, Bluegrass music, and dancing.  John was a "Jack-of-all-trades," and built our family home with his own two hands. He shared his skills with his friends and community at Grace Lutheran Church, where he was a member for 45 years.

Born in January 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, John later moved with his family to Tampa, Florida, where he grew up. He was raised by his mother, Mary Irene Dibble, a nurse, and his father, Eugene Sherwood Dibble, a handyman. He had fond memories of a cow named Daisy, and his favorite childhood pets were goats.

John served his country in the U.S. Navy, for four years, on the USS Hornet, USS Oriskany (Far-eastern cruise), and USS Constellation. His time on aircraft carriers fostered a lifelong passion for aviation, and he especially enjoyed working on the A-1 Skyraider airplane. He retired after 29 years of dedicated civil service, where he proudly designed and built radars on the Naval ranges. Later, he earned his private pilot's license, realizing a lifelong dream.

John was happily married for 56 years to his loving wife, Corrine. They were married in 1968 in Las Vegas and they saw the real Elvis Presley on the evening of their wedding. Together, they raised four children, and after retirement, John and Corrine enjoyed traveling around the United States in their motorhome…once for three months!

Family meant everything to John. He is survived by children, John (Lora), Peter (Cherie), Catherine (James), and Jared (Son-in-Law), ten Grandchildren, eleven Great-grandchildren, and his twin-brother, Eugene Dibble.  He was preceded in death by his lovely daughter, Demetria, and his two sisters, Delores Blanch and Ruth Dibble. He has many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Ridgecrest on November 22, 2024 at 10am, with a reception to follow.