Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Friday at Breitenbach Anderson Funeral Home, 517 S. Sutphin St. Burial in Springboro Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Born Jan. 31, 1938 to Lillian and Lawrence Dwyer in Warren County, Ohio, Dwyer graduated from Franklin High School, attended Miami University, and was later awarded the Bishop Medal and a graduate of the FBI Dignitary Protection Academy.
Dwyer retired after 27 years of service from the City of Middletown/Division of Police where he served as police chief for 13 years. He was involved with many organizations and held various positions within the Middletown community; secretary/treasurer for the International Association of Chiefs of Police; secretary/treasurer for the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police; founder of the Narcotics Division for the City of Middletown; founder of Safety Town; founding committee for the All American Weekend; member of the Chamber of Commerce; member of the Rotary Club; director of safety at Bob’s Truck Service; director of safety and vice president for Excel Trucking; news director for WPFB radio; and a member of the Madison Athletic Boosters.
Credit: PAT AUCKERMAN
Credit: PAT AUCKERMAN
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Patricia Dwyer; children Anthony Dwyer (Molly), Robert Dwyer, Dennis Cox (Kathy) and Dana Stephens (Matt); sisters Norma Baird and Crystal Harsha (Ron); brothers Roger Dwyer (Kathy), Ralph Dwyer (Joyce) and Paul Dwyer (Marty); eight grandchildren, Russell Dwyer, Anthony Dwyer, Dylan Dwyer, Brandon Dwyer, Ashley Cox, Allison Cox, Alex Cornele and Lucas Cornele; four great grandchildren, and a very special caregiver, Mariah Smith.
Middletown police department’s Facebook page read: “With sad hearts we inform you that former Police Chief Russell Dwyer passed away last night. He was the Chief from 1975 -1987 and served the City of Middletown for over 30 years. MPD’s thoughts are with his family today.”
Rodney Muterspaw, Middletown’s police chief, said he met Dwyer after he had left the department. Every time, Muterspaw said, Dwyer took “a real interest” in his career.
“Always came up to shake my hand and said, ‘hello,’ which meant a lot to me as a new officer,” Muterspaw said.
