Dawn Phyllis (Van Dyne) Kirchgraber

Dawn Phyllis Kirchgraber

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Dawn Phyllis Kirchgraber (Van Dyne) announces her passing on December 22, 2021 after a long illness in St. Petersburg, FL at the age 87.

Dawn Phyllis Kirchgraber was born in Ithaca, New York on March 26, 1934 and married Henry Kirchgraber in 1955. She was a graduate of Ithaca High School class of 1952 and attended classes at Cornell University.

She began her working life at the 1st National Bank of Ithaca and then, following her marriage, moved to Freeville, NY where raising three sons became her full-time job. As a longtime resident, she was known as one of the many “Freeville moms” to the children growing up in this small rural village in New York State during the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. She was active in the Freeville Methodist Church, Cub Scouts and numerous elementary and high school activities. Raising three boys who were always involved in sports, she grew to become a sports fan starting with her introduction to baseball by rooting for the local kids playing Kiwanis Little League and finally becoming a devotee of Dryden High School varsity athletics.

In 1980 Dawn and Henry settled down in St. Petersburg, FL which became their home base. They enjoyed many travel and camping adventures throughout the years. With the move to Florida, they were able to share their love of camping with their grandchildren. Dawn returned to the workplace and eventually retired as a teacher’s aide at Dixie Hollins High School in Pinellas Park, FL.

Dawn is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Olive Van Dyne (Southby) and brother Leroy T. Van Dyne. She is survived by her husband Edwin Henry Kirchgraber of St. Petersburg, FL, sons Paul Kirchgraber (Melinda) of Prescott, AZ, Mark Kirchgraber (Doreen) of Groton, NY and Todd Kirchgraber (Elaine) of St. Petersburg, FL, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

A private family service is planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating in Dawn’s name to either the Suncoast Hospice Care Center Mid-Pinellas, FL or to a charity of your choice.