A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. at St. Clement Pope & Martyr Church in Rockaway Township for Deacon Harry H. Dachisen, who died in his Denville home surrounded by his family on Aug. 3. He was 82 and had served as a permanent deacon at St. Clement’s since 1989.
Born and raised in Denville, Deacon Dachisen was the oldest of seven children. As a teen, Harry attended a CYO dance, where he met his future wife, Silvia Ann Corvi.
After graduating from Morris Hills High School, Deacon Dachisen earned his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. He and Silvia wed on June 13, 1964, and settled in Rockaway Township to raise their children.
Deacon Dachisen worked as a National Life Group Insurance agent for many years. After retirement, Harry worked for 17 years at St. Peter’s Orphanage in Denville as a mentor. He offered wisdom and support to young people.
As a member of the permanent diaconate, Deacon Dachisen was part of life events for friends and family members. He officiated weddings, baptized his grandchildren, and offered solace to many.
Deacon Dachisen led a monthly group to Eva’s Village in Paterson to feed and care for those in need. He and Silvia belonged to the Light of the Christ prayer group and were daily communicants.
Deacon Dachisen earned a black belt in karate in his 30s, held state records for his age group in competitions as a powerlifter, and enjoyed fishing and beach vacations. He loved sports — the Brooklyn Dodgers, the New York Giants, the Rangers, and the Knicks — and talked about it with his grandsons.
Survivors include Deacon Dachisen’s children: Andrew (Megan Coakley) Dachisen of Denville, Milissa Dachisen of Roxbury, Michele (Jeff) Stone of Roxbury, and Jennifer (Sean) Coakley of Cranford; his grandchildren, Conor, Owen, Aidan, Caleb, and Luke Dachisen, Matthew and Kevin Stone, and Maeve, Colin, and Keira Coakley; his siblings, Peter A. (Sharon) Dachisen, Jr., Christopher (Lynn) Dachisen, MaryBeth (Geoffrey) Dean, and Helen (Zachary) Kamen; his brother-in-law, Charlie Bravo; and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and parishioners.
Deacon Dachisen was predeceased by his wife, Silvia; his parents; and his sisters, Joan and Linda.
Public visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Norman Dean Home for Services in Denville. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Boonton.
Memorial donations are being accepted in Deacon Dachisen’s name to Eva’s Village at www.inmemof.org
