Walter Dibbins Former college professor and avid weather observer Walter N. Dibbins of Massapequa died Feb. 1, 2010. He was 86.

Mr. Dibbins was a 30-year member of the Long Island Weather Observers Club who had helped the groundhog see his shadow this year.

“The best word to describe Walter is professional,” said Gary Stone, president of the L.I. Weather Observers who knew Dibbins for more than 20 years.

“We run a hotline and he called in his report every evening like clockwork. He had pride in all aspects of his life, and he’ll be missed in our club.”

Born in Brooklyn, he was one of the first Nassau Shores homeowners, living on Waterview Avenue for more than 57 years. An avid boater, he held a Coast Guard Master’s License and was a past Commander of the United States Power Squadron.

Mr. Dibbins was a 40-year broadcast systems engineer for RCA/NBC and an adjunct professor at Farmingdale and Suffolk Community Colleges teaching electrical theory and weather. He was an advanced Ham Radio Operator and held a P-Class FCC license.

Mr. Dibbins leaves behind his children, Diane Kretz and her husband Bob of Amityville and John and his wife Susan of Copiague. His grandchildren, Jenny, Jessy, Johnny, Justin, Bobby, Cassie and Johnny, and his son-in-law, John DeFrancisco. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Thalia Elodie in 2000 and his daughter Wendy DeFrancisco.

He reposed at the Powell Funeral Home, Amityville, on Feb. 5, 2010. A Prayer Service was held Feb. 6, 2010 followed by interment in Grace Church Cemetery, Massapequa.

Donations in Mr. Dibbin’s name can be sent to the American Cancer Society, 75 Davids Dr., Hauppauge, New York 11788.