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John J. Dawson Sr., 86, of Severna Park, died of natural causes March 1 at the Sunrise Assisted Living facility in Severna Park.

Born July 29, 1920, in South Baltimore, Mr. Dawson graduated from Baltimore City College High School in 1938. He attended the former Towson State Teacher's College, where he played on the undefeated men's soccer team.

During World War II, he worked for the Army as a civilian loading ships with war materials. Following the war, he worked for Hercules Ship Repair before becoming a stevedore in the Local 953 STA-ILA. His career on the waterfront spanned nearly 40 years.

After he retired, he enjoyed singing in the choir at St. John the Evangelist Church and volunteering for many charitable organizations, especially Hospice of the Chesapeake's Chesapeake Treasures Gift Shop.

His interests included golf, fishing and spending time at the family summer home in Ocean City.

He was the husband of the late Veronica Puzycki "Ronnie" Dawson, whom he married in 1943. She died in 1989. Surviving are one son, John J. Dawson Jr. of Severna Park; one daughter, Mary Claire Talbot of Rochester, N.Y.; five grandchildren; and his companion, Catherine Thompson.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 668 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park. Burial will follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery, 6020 Governor Ritchie Highway.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401. Online condolences can be made to www.barrancofuneralhome.com

As published on 3/4/2007 in The Capital Newspaper, Annapolis, MD