Hamilton Russell Dwyer Jr.
May 14, 1948 – April 9, 2026

Hamilton Russell Dwyer, Jr. passed away on April 9, 2026, in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was 77 years old.

Born on May 14, 1948, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to the late Hamilton Russell Dwyer and Margaret Lindars Dwyer, Ham was a true local who called Hampton Roads home for most of his life. He was class president and co-captain of the 1966 championship basketball team at Portsmouth Catholic High School. A proud graduate of Old Dominion University, he was a fixture in the stands or tuned in to every ODU basketball and football game.

Ham proudly served his country in the Army, an experience that shaped his sense of responsibility, integrity, and commitment to others.

Ham was a man of remarkable character and sharp wit who built a respected career as a CPA, operating his own accounting firm for many years. He was known by all who knew him as a truly wonderful person—exceptionally funny, reliable, and always willing to help. He would have gotten a kick out of the fact that his send-off will take place on Tax Day, April 15.

Over the years, Ham was involved in many community and civic organizations, generously sharing his time, experience, and leadership. He served as President of the Board of Directors at Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth and as President of the Portsmouth Rotary Club. He devoted twelve years to the Principal's Board of Directors at Western Branch High School and was active in the Portsmouth Partnership. He served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 212, was a bookkeeper for Oasis Social Ministry, served on the Finance Council at the Church of the Resurrection, and was a proud member of Knights of Columbus Council No. 418. In every role he took on, Ham was respected for his sound judgment, willingness to step in where needed, and care for the people and organizations he served.

In 1969, Ham married the love of his life, Ann Balsamo Dwyer. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on family, laughter, and frequent trips to the Outer Banks, a place that held a special piece of his heart. An avid golfer, Ham was a longtime member of Elizabeth Manor and cherished time spent on the greens and the deep camaraderie of his golf friends, including many memorable golf trips with the Dirty Duffers. He also greatly enjoyed traveling, including cruises, which gave him another excuse to relax, laugh, and spend time with those he loved.

He was a constant role model, known for his dependability, guiding presence, and unwavering devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Theresa Petrill and Margaret Bradley.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Ann; his children, Anna Blencowe (Joseph), Russ Dwyer (Adelina), and Susan Sanderson (Doug); and his six grandchildren, Hamilton and Maria Dwyer, Ruthanne and William Sanderson, and Sophia and Joshua Blencowe. He is also survived by his siblings, Patricia Dwyer (Peg) and Arthur Dwyer, and his brothers‑in‑law, Paul Petrill and Gordon Bradley, all of whom he cared deeply for, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a wide circle of friends who will miss his humor and steady presence.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection, 3501 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23703. Viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow the Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Oasis Social Ministry of Portsmouth, 800 Williamsburg Ave., Portsmouth, VA 23704, or Portsmouth Catholic Regional School, 2301 Oregon Ave., Portsmouth, VA 23701. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.