William Ralph Dexter passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale. He was born September 26, 1935 and celebrated his 90th birthday last fall.

He was born to Ralph and Wilburta (Cornwell) Dexter in “Nobodies”, a little settlement that borders the Delaware River. He grew up with his three siblings on the family homestead farm and attended Narrowsburg Central School. After leaving school he decided to join the US Army and served his time from 1955-1957 in South Korea as part of the Peace Keeping Forces.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, he took a job working for the Sullivan Co. Highway Department. He worked 34 years operating heavy duty highway equipment. During the winter months, he experienced many long nights plowing snow and keeping the highways cleared. After his retirement he and his dad spent time together cutting firewood and working the Dexter Tree Farm.

As a teenager he worked part-time as a farm hand in the Beechwoods for the Reum Family, they became a second family to him, and their daughters Nancy and Valerie were his “other sisters.” They enjoyed a lifelong friendship and during his retirement years, he worked with Nancy and her husband Eric, mowing lawns and handyman jobs.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years Jennie (Dexter) Dexter; his son Mark Dexter and his wife Donna; two grandchildren, grandson, Corey and his wife Evelyn and granddaughter Crystal; 5 great-grandchildren, Thomas, Kirsten, Mackenzie, Nicholas and Elizabeth; 2 sisters, Doris, and Barbara; a special niece Grace Cole, who has been a constant source of caring and support; as well several nieces and nephews.

Sadly, he lost his beloved daughter Eileen early in her life and recently his son “Rich”, his older brother Jim and his wife Elsie and several brothers-in-law.

Over the years Bill has enjoyed the friendships of many people. He looked forward to visits from his childhood friend Glenn Swendsen and his family and other lifelong friends. As the years went by and his health started failing, his wonderful neighbors Bill and Patty Kranz stopped by and was there through many stressful times. The family is so grateful to them, there are no words to describe what they have meant to Bill and Jen.

A viewing will be held on Monday April 6, 2026 from 1-5 PM at the Arthur A Bryant Funeral Home, 1228 N. Main St., Honesdale.

A Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Glen Cove Cemetery, Narrowsburg, NY with Rev. Ginny Bossley officiating. Those attending the graveside service are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tusten Volunteer Ambulance Service, PO Box 34, Narrowsburg, NY 12764 or to the Lake Huntington Presbyterian Church, PO Box 231, Lake Huntington, NY 12752.