Capt. (RET) David Reese Dishman, USNR

September 16, 1944 – December 15, 2025

David Reese Dishman was born on September 16, 1944 to Frank Sylven and Marjorie (Fulwider) Dishman in Kansas City, Missouri. From his earliest days, David carried within him a rare combination of discipline, patriotism, helpfulness, warmth and unwavering devotion.  Qualities that would define a life of service, accomplishment and, most importantly, profound love.   He attended Drexel High School and played on the basketball team.  He retained that interest by being a follower of the San Diego State Aztecs team.  He attended the University of Missouri – Columbia and majored in electrical engineering.  He met his future wife Rose Marie at a 7:45am calculus class the first week in school.

David received his commission as a Naval officer in 1967 and served on active duty for over 7 years.  After completing Submarine School and Nuclear Power Training, David served on the east coast on USS Sunfish (SSN-649) and west coast on USS Drum (677).  David served with the Naval Reserve for 20 years including four tours as commanding officer of Naval Reserve Units and retired as a Naval Reserve Captain. David received two awards of the Naval Meritorious Service Medal for his Naval Reserve Service.

David and Rose Marie were married while he was on active duty, February 13, 1972, and have had a wonderful marriage for almost 54 years. They have been together for over 64 years even though they were frequently coasts apart.  At the heart of all David's achievements was this truth: he lived to be a loving husband, and succeeded perfectly.

David's first civilian job was with General Atomic and then his career included General Dynamics, Aerojet, SAIC, SAIT, Litton, L3, Northrop Grumman, Lidos and finally back at General Atomic.  He was a professionally registered Nuclear Engineer.  During his busy work schedule he received an MBA in marketing from San Diego State University.  He finally retired in his mid-70's and had time for more travel.

David always had Dobermans, starting in 1974.  He attended lots of dog shows, raised three litters of puppies, and had one champion.  Other interests were Bocce Ball, Rock Steady Boxing and getting together with long term friends in "Silly Ideas".  He loved to dress up for ComicCon and other costume parties and was a dedicated Padres fan.  He looked forward to helping the Knights of Columbus at the Lenten fish dinners.

David was diagnosed with Parkinson's about 20 years ago.  He was doing well until the last couple of years.  The angels came for him on December 15, 2025 and left a hole in Rose Marie's heart.

David is survived by his wife Rose Marie.

A funeral mass with be at 10am, Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, 13734 Twin Peaks Road, Poway CA.  A reception will immediately follow in the church hall.  A committal service with military honors will be held at 2:30pm at Miramar National Cemetery.

In memory of David, donations may be made to Father Joe's Villages , Doctors without Borders , or Tunnels to Towers .