Dickson Mars Singleton passed away peacefully during the morning of Saturday, February 28, 2015. Dickson was 69 years old, born on February 5, 1946 in New York City. Dickson's mother, Marcelle Mars, was a teacher in Linden until her retirement. His step-father, Walter, was an engineer with General Electric, and his father, James Singleton, was a writer for the NY Times. His grandfather, Peter Mars, an artist and educator in New Orleans, was known for his murals as well as for his portraits of Louisiana Supreme Court Justices. Dickson graduated from Oratory Prep High School in 1965. He graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1971 with a BA in Psychology. Dickson worked at Associated Auto Parts until his retirement in 2010.

Dickson was married to Debra in 1977, and later celebrated the birth of his daughter, Samantha in 1989. Dickson's family meant everything to him. He was a proud husband and father who was known to be a little boastful at times. Although Dickson lost his vision in 1991, he did not allow this disability to impede his life. He would often say, "I may be blind but I'm not dead yet!" and would either navigate himself using his white cane or his guide dog. He took his guide dog, Style, everyday to work using the NJ Transit 94 bus and became great friends with the bus drivers. Dickson was immensely proud when Style was announced the winner of the 2001 ACE Award from the American Kennel Club. When Style passed away, Dickson went back to the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and was trained with a new guide dog, Jane Baby. This dog is now a retired guide dog, and Samantha and Jane Baby visit the residents of Cranford Health & Extended Care facility each week.

Dickson was well-known for his love of classic rock. He enjoyed talking about the time he traveled on a motorcycle to the original Woodstock Festival, and he never missed a NYC event with the Rolling Stones or the Allman Brothers Band. Dickson enjoyed his time with Debra and Samantha; as a family, they traveled throughout Spain, England, France, Egypt, and around the United States. He visited Stonehenge, the Louvre, the Valley of the Kings, and the Grand Canyon. Sadly, Dickson was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's disease and experienced a significant decline in his health. He was a resident for the past two years at the Cranford Health & Extended Care facility and was cared for with great love and compassion by the 3 Wing Staff.

Debra and Samantha decided to have a private ceremony; however, they welcome your contributions made directly to the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind of Smithtown NY in memory of Dickson and his tremendous spirit.