In a moving tribute to a young man who dedicated his life in service to his adopted country, Brookhaven Town officially renamed a street in East Moriches after U.S. Army veteran Jack Dyer. What was once Tuthill Point Farm Road now bears the name Jack Dyer Drive, honoring a patriot whose story began in a Siberian orphanage and ended in the uniform of the U.S. military.
Dyer, who died tragically in a motorcycle accident in Florida just days before Christmas last year, was remembered in a heartfelt ceremony attended by local leaders, clergy, and family members. Town Supervisor Dan Panico, County Executive Ed Romaine, Councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig, Suffolk Judge Pat Blake, and members of the Dyer family pulled the cover off the sign that now bears Jack’s name.
“These are the toughest, but most meaningful events,” said Supervisor Panico. “Thankfully, we live in a community where people care about each other, so this road renaming will be a great tribute to Jack.”
Jack was adopted at age six by John and Elizabeth Dyer, along with sisters Bridget and Katey, who has since passed away. Born in Russia, Jack spent his early childhood in an orphanage before being brought to East Moriches—the place he would always call home. He was enamored by Disney World since his time in the orphanage and was working security at the time of his death.
His mother shared a memory of Jack’s first Halloween in America. “I dressed him up in a Superman costume,” she said, smiling through tears. “He said, ‘You mean, you just have to put the bag out and get free candy?’ He wanted to go again the next day.”
Jack grew up as a joyful, hardworking boy with a sharp wit and a deep sense of purpose. “He worked at Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck growing up,” his mother recalled. “He made a lot of money since the customers loved him. He had a good sense of humor and was a wonderful son.” His parents said Jack loved America fiercely. “He wanted to give something back in return,” his mother said. “That’s why he joined the Army.”
Jack’s father added, “He was very patriotic. His grandfather had served, having lost an arm in the Korean War, and Jack admired him. Even though he was afraid of heights, he signed up to be a paratrooper. He told his mom, ‘Sometimes you just have to get over it.’ That’s who he was.”
At 19, Dyer enlisted and became part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade — known as the “Sky Soldiers.” He served in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf, later continuing his military service in the Army National Guard at the time of his death. “It’s an honor to have a street named after him,” said his father. “I am overwhelmed by the support and love from the community.”
Suffolk Executive Romaine paid tribute to Jack’s deep roots in East Moriches. “He was a friend and neighbor. As long as we remember him, he will live on through his contributions to his community and service to his country. He may have been adopted from Russia, but he considered America his home.”
Councilwoman Dunne-Kesnig echoed the sentiment. “He was a son, a brother, and a friend. We’re giving him the recognition he and his family deserve.”
Priests from the Diocese of Rockville Centre blessed the sign. Jack had been an altar server at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Center Moriches and played soccer, football, and lacrosse at Bishop McGann‑Mercy Diocesan High School in Riverhead.
Longtime family friend and babysitter Eileen Broich of East Moriches, who attended the ceremony, remembered Jack as a joyful child. “He was the sweetest little boy — always smiling, always curious, and just a pleasure to be around,” she said. “Watching him grow up into the man he became was a gift.”
Judge Blake reflected on watching Jack grow up in the neighborhood. “I remember him playing Army with the local kids. He always saw himself as a U.S. soldier. He went on to serve his country, but it all started here in East Moriches. He put service above self.”
As an American flag waved over the newly unveiled Jack Dyer Drive, the community stood united, not only in grief but also in pride for a local son who embodied courage, patriotism, and love for his country and town. “He may have come from far away,” Supervisor Panico said, “but Jack Dyer was always one of us.”