Eugene R. 'Gene' Dale

Eugene R. Dale, 83, a resident of Kolasa Road, a veteran of WW II, passed away on Friday, August 10, 2007, at St. Lukeï¿(TM)s Memorial Hospital, New Hartford, after a long illness. A native of Camden, he was born on February 4, 1924, a son of William Otis and Leona Belle Palmer Dale. He moved to Boonville with his family as an infant. Mr. Dale graduated from Boonville High School with the Class of 1942. While in high school, he excelled in playing Basket Ball and Baseball. During his high school Basket Ball career, he scored 45 points in a single game, a record that held until very recent years. While playing high school Baseball, he achieved a highest batting average, a record that still stands. For many years after high school he greatly enjoyed playing town team Basket Ball, and Baseball. On March 23, 1943, Eugene began his service to his country in the U.S. Army. During WW II, he served in the European Theater in the 7th Armored Division as a Tank Gunner. He devised a range finding site for long range accuracy on army tanks. He served in the battles in the Adrennes, in Central Europe, the invasion of Normandy, Battle of the Bulge, and in the Rhineland. Mr. Dale was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on December 22, 1945. After that he served for two years in active duty at Griffiss Air Base in Rome, before his civilian employment at the base in the steam fitters department. He retired in 1982, as Supervisor of the department. For many years during his employment, he also painted many homes in the Boonville area. On September 18, 1948, Eugene was united in marriage to Kazmer A. Pietrewsky at St. Josephï¿(TM)s Church, Boonville. After that the couple lived on Post St. for many years. Mrs. Dale died on October 1, 1984. In addition to his love of sports, he was an avid hunter, and he greatly enjoyed the art of fly fishing. He was an avid NY Yankee fan who never missed a game. He was a fifty three year member of Boonville Fire Co., a life member, and Past Commander of Harland J. Hennessey Post V.W.V., Charles J. Love Post American Legion, both of Boonville, and Boonville Council K. of C. He greatly enjoyed bowling and bowled on the V.F.W. Team. Proud of his country, he was always honored to be the American Flag Bearer in area parades. He is survived by one daughter and son in law, Brenda and John Gaylord, two sons and daughters in law: Brad and Peggy Dale, Rick and Michelle Dale, all of Boonville, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren, one sister and brother in law, Verna and Ed Sullivan, Constableville, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a half brother, Raleigh Dale, and by a sister Irva Dale Reed. His Funeral will be on Tuesday at 9:15 A.M. at the Trainor Funeral Home, 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, and at 10:00 A.M. at St. Josephï¿(TM)s Church, Boonville, where Rev. Fr. Donald H. Karlen will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in St. Josephï¿(TM)s Cemetery, Boonville, where members of the Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W., Charles J. Love Post American Legion, and the Tun Tavern Marine Corps League, all of Boonville, will conduct military rites. Calling hours are Sunday 7-9 P.M. and Monday 2-4 & 7-9 P.M.. Memorial contributions may be made to Boonville Ambulance and Fire Dept. P.O. Box 164, Boonville, NY 13309.