Dwight Lorimer Degener

Dwight Lorimer Degener, age 93, died peacefully at his home Friday, May 26, 2023. He is survived by his children Craig (Ruth Ann) and Nancy, and grandchildren Craig Jr. (Sarah) and Kristy. Dwight was pre-deceased by the love of his life, Mary Edythe Degener.

Dwight was born in New York City, New York to William Degener and Florence Mabel Burns. While residing in Dobbs Ferry, New York, he attended the Riverdale Country School and subsequently matriculated to St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire. At St. Paul's, he exceled in Latin and Mathematics, and was Captain of the basketball and baseball teams. He then went on to Princeton University and graduated in the Class of 1951 with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. It was during those years at Princeton, Dwight would meet and date his future wife, Mary, who was a Voice major attending nearby Westminster Choir College.

Upon graduation from Princeton, Dwight enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at the Laon Air Force Base (AFB) just outside Paris. Concurrently, Mary was traveling in Europe with a friend of hers. As fate would have it, Dwight was able to secure a night's leave and they were able to meet in Paris. They spent a wonderful night together at the Moulin Rouge. Following Dwight's honorable discharge from the Air Force and Mary's return to the U.S., they were soon married on June 5, 1954.

Dwight and Mary resided in White Plains, NY, for all of their 68 years together where they raised their two children. Together, they enjoyed gardening, ballroom dancing, tennis, book club, Spanish lessons, and singing in the choir at the White Plains Presbyterian Church where they rarely missed a Sunday. They also enjoyed traveling to Silver Bay, NY for summer vacations, where they had originally met and previously worked during their college years.

Dwight loved being an Investment Broker and Financial Advisor and proudly served his clients for over 40 years. He began his career at Kidder Peabody & Company, Inc. and then went on to A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. When Listed Options were first introduced on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange in 1973, Dwight was fascinated. Due to his mathematical background, he became an enthusiastic specialist in this area.
Dwight will be remembered for his infectious smile, kindness, generosity, and intellectual curiosity. He lived his life to the fullest and made this world a better place for all who knew him.

A memorial service celebrating Dwight's life will be held on July 16, 2023 at 11:45am at the White Plains Presbyterian Church. The service will be followed by interment in the Shepard's Fold and a reception in the Church Parlor.
Much appreciated memorial donations can be made in his memory to:

White Plains Presbyterian Church
39 North Broadway, White Plains, New York 10601
https://www.wppresby.org/stewardship

White Plains Beautification Foundation
P.O. Box 1614, White Plains, NY 10602
https://wpbf.org/donate/

American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org/