Br. Richard J. Dix, S.M. died in the service of the Blessed Virgin Mary on February 2, 2025, at the age of 92 with 75 years of vowed life. He was born into a family of four sisters, Belinda, who became a School Sister of Notre Dame, Theresa, Patricia and Ann and one brother, James, to Martin and Helen (Kitkowski) Dix on March 2, 1932 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  He is preceded in death by four of his siblings and survived by his sister, Ann Haderer.

He entered the Marianist Novitiate in Galesville, Wisconsin and professed his First Vows on August 15, 1949. He earned his BS degree in Biology in 1952 from St. Mary University in San Antonio, and in 1963 he completed a MS degree in Biology from University of Notre Dame.

Br. Dix spent his first twenty-five years of ministry in education as an elementary and high school teacher at schools in Texas and Missouri, eventually transitioning to administration at Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth.  He later continued in that capacity at St. Mary's HS and Vianney HS in St. Louis.  Highly respected for his leadership in the schools and trusted by his brothers, he often took on the additional role of Director of the local Community.

From secondary education, Bro. Dix was called to provincial administration, beginning in 1976 as the Provincial Assistant for Temporalities for 20 years, spanning over three decades up to 2007.   His stewardship and devotion to his ministry led to his having the distinction of being elected a delegate to the Marianist's international General Chapter six times over thirty-five years.  In those years, he also served on the Board of Trustees of St. Mary's University as well as Central Catholic High School.

In 1985 Bro. Dix returned to his love of educational work, teaching Biology at St. Mary's University and then assuming the position of Registrar for the next decade while serving as the Director of Marianist Residence Community of over 45 brothers.

In his final years, living semi-retired at the Marianist Residence on campus, he continued his strong work ethic of full-time maintenance, serving as the business manager and even on occasion, the computer "guru" for the brothers. He also made time to enjoy his hobbies of maintaining his aquarium and koi pond, as well as gardening.

Over his 75 years of religious life, in every ministry and with all people, he exemplified God's great love with a generous, giving heart and welcoming smile.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Memory of Br. Dix to the Marianist Mission, Mt. St. John, 4435 East Patterson Road, Dayton, OH, 45430-1033

Funeral Arrangements:

Monday, February 10, 2025

Marianist Residence Chapel

6:00 PM Visitation

7:00 PM Rosary Service

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Assumption Chapel-St. Mary's University

9:00 AM Visitation

10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial

Interment immediately after Mass in Marianist Cemetery

Luncheon Reception following Interment