David Loring Dimick's Obituary
David Loring Dimick, 94, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026. He was born on December 21, 1931, in Buffalo, New York, and grew up in Granville, Ohio. David later earned an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1954 with a degree in civil engineering.
On December 26, 1954, David married the love of his life, Nancy Norpell. Shortly after their wedding, the couple moved to Germany, where they lived for four years and welcomed their first two children. After returning to the United States, David attended the University of Illinois, earning master's degrees in nuclear engineering and civil engineering. During this time, their family grew with the arrival of their third and fourth children. David later served in Korea while Nancy remained at home caring for their four young children.
Following his military service, David began his civilian engineering career with Detroit Diesel Allison in Indianapolis, Indiana. He continued serving in the U.S. Army Reserve throughout his civilian career and ultimately retired with the rank of Colonel. David joined General Motors in Advanced Products Engineering in 1971, moving his family to Birmingham, Michigan. While living in Birmingham, the family spent many happy summers at their cottage on Harsens Island, Michigan, boating, waterskiing, and watching the freighters pass by.
After retiring, David and Nancy moved to Marine City, Michigan, where they spent their winters in Naples, Florida. They later made Naples their permanent home before eventually settling in Fort Myers.
David played tennis regularly and enjoyed golf. He was an avid reader who loved working puzzles. Exceptionally organized and a meticulous planner, he was also a disciplined and successful investor. David and Nancy dearly loved their yellow Labrador Retriever, Dante, who became a cherished member of the family. One of David’s favorite daily traditions was taking Dante to the local doughnut shop each morning for a doughnut hole, a simple ritual that brought them both great joy. David traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia, including China and Japan. Giving back to his community was important to David; he taught English to new U.S. citizens and volunteered at the Shell Point Memory Care center.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Betty Dimick, and his grandson, Morgan Dimick.
He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 71 years, Nancy Dimick; his half-sister, Martha Kendall (John); his children, David J. "Jeff" Dimick (Rita), Jodi Gable (Phil), Thomas Dimick, and Donald J. "Jerry" Dimick (Bethany); his grandchildren, Ashley Wilson (Matt), Courtney Dimick, Christopher Dimick, Kristi Gable, Lin Poe (Connor), and Bradley Dimick; and his great-grandchildren, Gabriel Pope, Summer Wilson, Isaac Wilson, and Sloane Wilson.
David will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his country, his devotion to Nancy and his family, and his generous spirit. A devoted husband and father, he lived with quiet integrity, remarkable discipline, and a thoughtful approach to everything he did. He found joy in learning, serving others, traveling, and spending time with those he loved. He and Nancy embraced the simple philosophy of Carpe Diem—"seize the day"—making the most of every opportunity and every day. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
The inurnment of David's ashes with Military Honors will be at 1:45 pm on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33907. Immediately following the inurnment a Memorial Service will be held at the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33907.
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?