Harry V. Dutchyshyn

Harry Victor Dutchyshyn, COL, US Army Retired

He always wanted to be a soldier…Harry Dutchyshyn of Johnstown PA, passed away May 29, 2023-Memorial Day.  Born on April 26, 1930 in New Rochelle, New York, his parents had emigrated from the Ukraine to the US through Canada. They instilled in him the values of family, hard work and service to country that would last a lifetime—he was 93. 

Upon graduation from the US Military Academy at West Point in 1952, Harry earned a commission in the US Army Corps of Engineers and began a distinguished 30-year career.  His service included 3 combat tours in Korea and Vietnam and overseas assignments in Germany and the Republic of China, Taiwan. Harry was awarded a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M and graduated from the Army General Staff College, Army War College, and Northwestern University’s Institute of Management.  

As the 26th Engineer Battalion Commander in Vietnam, and Support Division Commander for the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley KS, Harry was deeply respected by his troops.  During his tour in the Pentagon’s Office of Army Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development Harry shaped the integration of Army Operational Testing with the emerging policies of a revised Defense Material Acquisition process. Later as the Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District Engineer he was responsible for managing water resources for the Delaware River basin, such as completion of the Blue Marsh Dam project and other civil works and military construction programs serving millions across Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.  Harry culminated his distinguished Army career as Commander of the Munitions Production Base Modernization Agency, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ.  He led facility construction and manufacturing upgrades across our nation’s industrial base.  These programs provided a foundation that are helping our country today as we ramp up production to support current international crises and to ensure we have the US capacity to address potential future conflicts.

Harry retired in 1982 with awards that included the Army Distinguished Service Medal, two Legion of Merits, two Bronze Stars, two Meritorious Service Medals and Seven Air Medals

Harry and Val moved back to their Westmont family home 2006. They have enjoyed supporting local activities and charities such as the Community Arts Center, the Johnstown Symphony and the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.

Harry is a 32nd degree Mason with the West Point Lodge, Highland Falls, NY and Fellow in the Society of American Military Engineers.

Beloved husband of over 70 years to Valentine Picking Dutchyshyn; devoted and loving father to his daughter Ann married to James Sweeney-President of PathAI Diagostics, and 3 sons: Harry Jr, (Robin)-retired USAF Col and test pilot, John Douglas (Suzanne)-retired Army officer and Senior Manager Raytheon Business Development, and Thomas P (Jodi)-Vice President for Turner Construction Company.  He was the adored grandfather of 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 4 PM, June 14, 2023 at the Picking Treece Bennett Mortuary, 921 Menoher Blvd, Johnstown. Visitation with the family will start at 2 PM. Interment will take place later at the US Military Academy at West Point, NY.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United States Military Academy West Point Association of Graduates the Long Gray Line Fund, or the Shriners Children’s Fund.

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