Leo Benjamin Dickerson Jr

Leo Benjamin Dickerson Jr. (“Dickie”)
October 5, 1947 – October 26, 2024

Leo Benjamin Dickerson Jr., lovingly known as “Dickie,” went to be with the Lord on October 26, 2024, after an extended illness, surrounded by his devoted family. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend who filled every room with warmth, laughter, and an infectious joy for life. He never met a stranger, and his love of people, good company, and a well-poured rum made him the life of every party.  Leo was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 5, 1947, to Leo B. Dickerson Sr. and Maysie A. (Martin) Dickerson, the first of their three children. His childhood in the Roxbury and Dorchester neighborhoods of Boston was a true testament to the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Surrounded by a community of loving and supportive families, he was shaped not only by his strong, hard-working father and his kind, generous mother, but also by the wisdom and guidance of all the neighborhood parents who  influenced his life. The Dickerson home was a beloved gathering place, where Maysie’s famous luaus and lively themed parties brought people together, while Leo Sr. 's cooking filled the air with warmth and comfort. For those who knew him, the mention of “Harrishof Street” or “Sargent Street” evokes memories of laughter, love, and countless joyful hours shared with family and friends.

Leo attended Boston Public Schools, graduating from Boston English High School in 1965, furthering and completing his advanced education at The Computer Institute and Boston Business School of Automation. Eager to explore life and serve his country, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1969, surprising friends and family alike. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, ultimately retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 1989.  During his distinguished military career, Leo was stationed around the world, creating cherished memories with his family along the way. It was during his last tour in Thailand, 1975 that he met Janice Mack, the love of his life, with whom he shared a beautiful marriage and raised two sons, born during their stateside and overseas assignments, Leo Benjamin III in Ft. Huachuca, Arizona and Christian Andrew in Wurzburg, Germany.After retiring from the Army, Leo and Janice settled in Sierra Vista, Arizona, where he turned his passion for gardening into a flourishing backyard oasis in the desert. His Fourth of July parties became neighborhood traditions, marked by good food, laughter, and his signature warmth. A man of strong faith, Leo served in his church, contributing quietly and faithfully to his community.

Following the passing of his mother, Leo found a new calling in nursing, a role that allowed him to offer comfort and care to those in need. Known affectionately as the “IV King,” he was admired by both his patients and coworkers for his gentle approach. His nursing career was a testament to his compassion and generosity, and he retired from the local hospital, Canyon Vista Medical Center in 2018 having made a lasting impact on everyone he cared for.

Leo will be lovingly remembered for his devotion to family, his infectious laughter, his steadfast loyalty, and his remarkable gift for making everyone feel like family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Janice Mack Dickerson; his cherished sons, Leo Benjamin Dickerson III and Christian Andrew (Marisa) Dickerson; his brother Stephen R.  (Shelbia, decd.) Dickerson Sr., sister Diane M. Dickerson, two sister-in-laws, Tamara Mack (Willie, decd.) Jackson, Felecia A. Nichols, one brother-in-law, LaCharles (Patricia) Mack and his adored nieces and nephews including Tara Register (LaWaun) Curry, Stephen R. (Jaclyn) Dickerson Jr., Terrance A. (Cherie) Mack, Jerrmainee L. (Mindy) Mack, Babak Fayyazi and Ashanti Mack (Anthony) Vickers.  Leo’s memory is also treasured by his uncle, Revis M. (Ethel) Dickerson, and his dear cousins, Mary (Tommie) Joyner, Muriel Valentine, Terence McCartney, Heather McCartney, Francis (Josephine) Hodge, Gregory (Sophia, decd.) Hodge, Donald Mathes and his ever loving and faithful shih-poo, Apollo. Alongside them are countless other family members, lifelong friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to share in his laughter and his friendship.

Leo Benjamin Dickerson Jr. was a man defined by service, joy, and boundless love. His presence illuminated every room, filling it with laughter and warmth. Leo’s family warmly invites everyone touched by his life to join in celebrating his remarkable journey. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church followed by a committal service with full military honors at 12 noon at the Southern Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery.  A repast will follow immediately at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church’s Madonna Hall.

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