Dale J. Cates, Sr., 70, of Wallingford, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2015 at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford. He was the beloved husband of 47 years to M. Christina Lachance Cates. Dale was born in Oakfield, Maine on March 19, 1945; son of the late Earl and Lila Crane Cates; served his country faithfully in the US Army during the Vietnam era and had worked for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance for 36 years until his retirement. Dale enjoyed camping and was a civil war buff. Father of Dale J. (Dara) Cates, Jr., Heather (Michael Schweikert) Cates and Jeffrey M. (Karen Kowalczyk) Cates. Grandfather of Caroline Sirico and Natalia Cates. Brother of James and Leonard Cates, and the late Doris Cates.
Funeral services will be conducted in the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Tuesday morning at 11:00. Interment with full military honors will follow in the North Haven Center Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Monday from 5 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CT Hospice, Inc., 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405.
We are so sorry for your loss, but we know that Dale we be at peace. We will also miss his smile and the chats we had at Odetah.
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your sweet husband. He was a gentle soul with always a smile on his face. Elsie was probably there waiting for him with open arms. Another angel to watch over us all. God Bless you Tina and all of your family.
To Heather and family:
My sincere condolences and may God give you comfort in this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a very good man. (Bea Smiths granddaughter)
We are so very sorry for your loss. May he RIP and may his family find comfort during this time of sorrow.
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Dale and I are first cousins. Many good memories when I was young and Dale and his family would visit in Maine.
God Bless!
See you on the other side!
Tina and children, my limited interaction with "uncle Dale" was all that was needed to experience his gentleness and sincerity to love those around him. Patrick and I are deeply sorrowful for this loss to you all and will be thinking of you with thoughts of strength and good memories, during this time. If I remember correctly, Uncle Dale would fire off with some comedic statement to lighten things up…..May his incredible presence be with you always, not as a loss but lifelong inspiration of his many characters. With love and prayers, Patrick and Jill
Jeff,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please extend our condolences to your family.
Bill and Maureen
Heather, Mike and family, We are so sorry for your loss. We love you and share in your pain. Love you, Wendi and Lee Wight
Hugs and Love!
My deepest condolences to the Cates family . My thoughts and prayers are with you all .
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your lost
He will be missed very much he was such a wonderful person and great cousin
Love cindy chapin
Heather and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
This man was very special to me. I did not think of him as my uncle but, as my grandfather. I loved him very much and, I will never stop loving him. The stories that he told, the fun things we did together, and the times we just sat and watched television. Those moments I will never forget, because they were very special and, he has a place in my heart that will never be replaced. Uncle Dale, I love you very much I wish I could tell you that, I hope you know. To Aunt Tina and my family sorry for your lost and, I love you.
Sincerely, Madison S. LaChace.
How I loved to hear Dale's stories while camping with you. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Heather and Mike and Family
So Sorry for your loss.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
We are very sorry to hear of Uncle Dale's passing. He was a wonderful man. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to all. Praying that you find comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Tina and children, my limited interaction with "uncle Dale" was all that was needed to experience his gentleness and sincerity to love those around him. Patrick and I are deeply sorrowful for this loss to you all and will be thinking of you with thoughts of strength and good memories, during this time. If I remember correctly, Uncle Dale would fire off with some comedic statement to lighten things up…..May his incredible presence be with you always, not as a loss but lifelong inspiration of his many characters. With love and prayers, Patrick and Jill
I'm so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. God Bless you and your family.
May you and your family find comfort in knowing that Dale is longer suffering and is now resting peacefully.
My heart goes out to and your family Jeff thinking of you at this very sad time. Give my love to hour mum and family. I love you all RIP Dale XXX
We are all very saddened to hear of Uncle Dale's passing. He was a great man. Praying that you find comfort and peace during this difficult time.
I'm sorry for your loss my prayers go out to your family