Obituary of John R. Lyon

John R. Lyon, 94, a resident of Pine Plains, NY passed away at Sharon Hospital on April 16, 2013 after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his beloved family at the time of his passing. He was born on October 23, 1918 in Peoria, Ill. His family subsequently moved to Montana where he spent his early childhood and eventually to Hanford, Calif., where he attended High School. There he was a standout athlete playing track and basketball. He held the California state record for the hop-skip & jump event in track. Mr. Lyon graduated from the University of California at Berkley with an engineering degree. Immediate after the Bombing of Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the Navy. On May 25, 1941 he married the former Charlotte Lenore DeBolt in Vallejo, Calif. while on leave from the Navy. They were happily married until her death in 2004, following a long illness. His oldest son Warren also passed away in 2004. Mr. Lyon was a retired IBM Poughkeepsie engineer and was involved in the development of the computer system that helped send man to the moon in 1969. He was also honored by IBM for his contribution in the development of patents for computerized speech and early security systems for Chase Manhattan Bank. He retired in 1979 after 36 years of service. He was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy serving in the Pacific during World War II. During the Korean War he was an engineer stationed at Great Lakes. Mr. Lyon served in the Navy Reserve until the 1960s. On October 7, 2009, while a resident of Geer Village in Canaan, Conn., he was honored by the Governor of Connecticut and Secretary of the State for his service to our country during World War II. Mr. Lyon was a devoted father. He was involved in many organizations including the IBM Quarter Century Club and the Sierra Club. He was an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. He was a founder of The Little Red Schoolhouse program that educated special needs children in the 1950s and 1960s. He also served on the board of the Dutchess County Association of Retarded Citizens. During his retirement he enjoyed photography, skiing and traveling. He also worked with the New York State Department of Energy to help promote energy conservation among businesses. In 1979 he built one of the first solar homes in Dutchess County. He also ran what he called "Gramps Camp" for his grandchildren during summers, taking them on numerous day trips. He is survived by his son Ronald DeBolt Lyon and his wife Debra Jayne Lyon of Pine Plains. His three grandchildren Christian DeBolt Lyon of Vernon, Conn., Olivia Halloran Lyon and Madison Marie Lyon of Pine Plains, NY. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed by all. Mr. Lyon was predeceased by his parents Raymond and Mary Lyon, his brothers Robert Lyon of Modesto, Calif., and Dr. James Lyon of Napa, Calif. and his sister Elizabeth Lyon of Hanford, Calif. A graveside service will be held at noon Saturday June 1, 2013 at the Wappingers Falls Rural Cemetery, West Main Street, Wappingers Falls. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his honor to the Duchess ARC, 84 Patrick Lane, Suite 130,Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls. To send the family a personal condolence please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.