Dwight Anthony Onley

Dwight “Ike” Onley passed away peacefully at home on December 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Ike was born on February 16, 1955 in Frederick, Maryland to Mary Jane (Onley) Johnson and Robert Davis, graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School. He went on to earn bachelor’s degrees from both the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Maryland. Ike was an adventurer and proud Peace Corps volunteer, spending two years in Ecuador building schools and teaching English.

He taught high school English for 25 years in Howard and Montgomery Counties. He received a Teacher of the Year award from the Howard County Association of Student Councils. Throughout his career, he helped form and sponsor student organizations  that promoted social justice and fostered a sense of belonging. Upon his retirement in 2017, one of his students wrote, “It is unfathomable the number of times I have been called names or judged for the way I dress or act. Your class quickly became a place where my soul could fly free. I have loved every single minute of your class. Once again, thank you for your years of service in teaching and for your constant support of the LGBT community. Having you as a teacher has been an honor and an inspiration.”

It is impossible to sum up a man who was so many things to the people who loved him. He was a devoted husband, father, and recently a grandfather. He was an incredibly talented teacher, writer, accomplished home chef, and avid golfer who achieved a hole-in-one in November 2019. He was also considered by his family to be an amateur lawyer, movie maker, magician, meteorologist, and auto mechanic. He was a champion for marginalized people and made it his mission to advocate for fairness and equality. He did the right thing even when no one was watching. He was an example to follow. He was simply a good man at a time when the world is in very short supply of them. It was an honor having him as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives.

Ike is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years Terry Savage and their children Nora Onley; Claire Onley (Simeon Mellinger); Martin Onley (Quinn Costello-Mays); and the apple of his eye, granddaughter Lauren Mellinger. He is also survived by sisters Kim Onley, Dana Onley, and Beth Johnson, as well as many other relatives and friends.

Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the College Park Community Food Bank.