Lieutenant Colonel John Joseph Dyer III, USAF, passed away peacefully at home in Timonium, Maryland, on December 9, 2024, at the age of 95.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, John attended St. Cecilia's School and Loyola High School Blakefield before earning a business degree from Loyola College. Summers were often spent with his family in Ocean City, Maryland, a place he cherished throughout his life. It was there on the Ocean City Boardwalk in 1951 that he met Catherine "Kitty" Wittmer while working for Kavanaugh Products during college. The couple married in November 1953, raised six children, and shared 67 wonderful years together until her passing.

Lt. Col. Dyer served his country with honor and distinction for over 38 years as a member of the United States Air Force. He began his military service during the Korean War in the 104th Fighter Squadron of the Maryland Air National Guard. Later commissioned as an Information Systems Officer and Media Officer in the Air Force Reserves, Lt. Col. Dyer concluded his distinguished career by serving more than a decade as the U.S. Air Force Academy Liaison Officer (ALO) in the Baltimore area. In this role, he recruited and mentored high school students aspiring to become future officers at the Air Force Academy in Colorado.

In addition to his military service, John had a successful professional career. He worked in sales with Miller Chemical Company before transitioning into finance as a stockbroker for Legg Mason and Dean Witter. He later co-founded Capital Portfolio Management in Timonium alongside his sons John and Patrick. His professional accomplishments were complemented by his active involvement in the Maryland Hibernian Society and several yacht clubs.

John was an avid boater who loved taking his family on weekend adventures aboard their Bertram on the Chesapeake Bay. Kent Island and St. Michaels were favorite destinations. Eventually, their boat, the "Miskiti", made its way to Ocean City where the family enjoyed many years of exciting fishing adventures. His lifelong connection to Ocean City was celebrated in 2019 when he and Kitty were honored with the Key to Ocean City—a testament to the countless memories they created there.

John is survived by his children: Mary Elizabeth Dyer (Frances), Kathryn Dyer Oktavec (Dr. William J.), Joanne Corcoran White (the late David L. White Sr.), John Joseph Dyer 4th (Jackie), Patrick Vincent Dyer (Julie), and Paul Kavanaugh Dyer Sr., M.D. (Kimberly). He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Kitty, grandson Benedict H. Dyer, and son-in-law David L. White Sr.

Friends may visit at the Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 York Rd. (Beltway Exit 26) on Friday, December 20, 2024 from 2-4 & 6-8pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the St. Joseph Parish, 100 Church Lane, Cockeysville, MD 21030, on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 10am. The interment will follow at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to the Benedict H. Dyer Memorial Fund @ Mid-Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation 102 East Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601. mscf.org.

May Lt. Col. John Joseph Dyer III's memory bring comfort to all who knew him and serve as an enduring reminder of a life well-lived and deeply loved.