Although Dwyer lived an accomplished political and professional life, he is best remembered as a spiritual man with a strong sense of faith. He was the director of administration for the Diocese of Rockville Centre for 12 years, until his retirement in 1999. He was also chief lay administrator during his tenure with the diocese.
"Harry was the ideal Catholic layperson," said Bishop William Murphy during Dwyer's funeral mass, which was held at St. Agnes Cathedral last Thursday. "He brought into the secular world the principles of his faith."
After graduating from Holy Cross with a degree in economics, Dwyer joined the Navy in 1954. He was discharged in 1957 after attaining the rank of lieutenant.
Dwyer began the transition to civilian life by joining the New York Telephone Company. He worked there as a district manager for 15 years, during which he began to dabble in the political arena. His first foray into public life came in 1967, when he was elected a Trustee of the Village of Floral Park. He also served the village as mayor and police commissioner. Dwyer eventually decided to leave the telephone company for a full-time public career as Nassau County's deputy commissioner for management information.
His aspirations to serve the community grew, and he successfully sought and won two terms as a New York state assemblyman. Afterward Dwyer was tapped by then Nassau County Executive Francis Purcell to be his top deputy. He remained in that position during Purcell's two four-year terms.
"Harry Dwyer was a deeply religious man," said Rockville Centre Mayor Eugene Murray, who worked with Dwyer on maintenance projects for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. "He was a wonderful public servant who worked tirelessly for the people of Nassau County."
In 1979 Dwyer earned a master's degree in public administration from Long Island University. The degree, coupled with his intense religious faith, brought him to the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
His son, Paul Dwyer of Manalapan, N.J., delivered his father's eulogy. "He taught us that family and friends are gifts to be treasured," Paul said. "He also taught us that we should work as if everything depended on us, and pray as if everything depended on God."
Recognition of Dwyer's accomplishments and strong faith was evident in the many honors he received. He was made a knight commander of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in 1986, a knight of St. Gregory the Great in 1997 and a knight of Malta also in 1997.
Dwyer is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jane; sons Paul; Matthew, of Long Beach; Peter, of Oceanside; and Michael, of Oxnard, Calif.; a brother, Joseph, of Floral Park, and six grandchildren.
"Our society was a better place because of Harry," said Murphy. "Thank God for Harry Dwyer."
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