College mourns passing of Emil Dedek, longtime director of University Police

It is with sadness that the College shares the news of the death of Emil W. Dedek ’88 (Sociology), former director of University Police, on Dec. 28, 2019. He was 86.

Dedek joined the University Police Department (UPD) as an investigator in 1971, and rose to the rank of director before retiring in 1990. His tenure was marked by improvements to UPD processes for ensuring a secure campus environment. He also took advantage of the opportunity earn a bachelor’s degree in sociology during his time at the College.

Dedek was born in Maine, New York, on May 15, 1933, and enlisted in the Army on May 15, 1950. He served in the Korean conflict and earned a Bronze Star and four bronze service stars. Dedek joined the New York Guard with the rank of Major (Ret) in 1990, and was a life member of New Paltz’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8645, just across Route 208 near the southwest corner of campus.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and his children, Paula, Lisa and Peter, among other friends and loved ones.

Visitation will be held this Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, from 2 – 6 p.m. at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, 38 Main Street, Highland, New York.

An obituary published in the Daily Freeman requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Ulster County SPCA or the Alzheimer’s Association – Hudson Valley Chapter 2649.