Dale Russell Smeal

Dale R. Smeal, 73, of Frisco, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, surrounded by loved ones at home after a long illness. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late William and Carolyn (Bloom) Smeal.

Dale graduated from Niagara Falls High School and Niagara University magna cum laude. Dale was employed at Occidental Chemical in 1971, Niagara plant, retiring from the company in Frisco, Texas in 2004. Dale was instrument/electrical by trade with years of Materials Management experience in the chemical industry. Coupled with his passion to help people, those skills proved beneficial over the last eighteen years as a Realtor.

He proudly served over 30 years in the United States military, starting his career in the United States Navy in April of 1968 and retiring from the NY Air National Guard in May of 1999. One of his proudest achievements was serving as Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 107th Air Refueling Wing and founder of the Enlisted Force Advisory Council. Dale was recognized as a Star Thrower in April 1997.

One of Dale’s greatest accomplishments was becoming a member of the Masonic Lebanon Lodge AF & AM #837. He entered on January 25th, 2005, passed on September 13th, 2005, and raised on October 18, 2005. Dale served as treasurer for six years and was on the scholarship committee. In 2013, he received the Golden Trowel Award. He truly loved his Masonic brothers. Dale was also a member of Scottish Rite.

Dale was committed to serving his community as a Board Member, Secretary, and Chairman with the Urban Forestry Board for the Frisco Parks and Recreation from 2003-2009. During his tenure, Dale was designated a Tree City USA for six consecutive years; recipient of the Tree City USA Growth Award for five consecutive years; participant in two “Neighborwoods” tree grant programs; conducted yearly educational programs and tree plantings at various Frisco Independent School District elementary schools; and increased public awareness of the importance of the urban forestry through special events.

Dale especially loved the game of baseball, where he dedicated many years to youth baseball and little league coaching in Niagara Falls. He received the Past President’s Award in appreciation of the achievements accomplished through his devotion as President and Board of Director of LaSalle Little League from 1983-1993. Dale was an avid NY Yankees and NY Giants fan. Dale joined a Fantasy Football league in 2005, where he served as Treasurer, while creating lifelong friendships. In his spare time, he loved spending time with family and friends, golfing, and a good bonfire.

Dale’s heart was so big and full of love. His sense of humor will be missed. He was affectionately known as Opa to all kids. Dale could always be seen at his grandsons’ school and sporting events. Dale will be truly missed by the family and friends whose hearts he touched.

In addition to his wife, Roberta (Evans) Smeal, Dale is survived by his daughter, Paula (Paul) Smeal, son, Michael Smeal, daughter, Shannon (David) Acosta, grandchildren Anthony and Aaron, sister Sandra (Fred) Barlow, brother William, and several nieces and nephews. Dale was predeceased by his sister Stacey Smeal.

A service to honor Dale in Texas will be held on December 12, 2022, at 2:00 pm at Ted Dickey Funeral Home, 2128 18th Street, Plano, Texas 75074. Dale will be laid to rest following a memorial service on December 16, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Acacia Park, 4215 Tonawanda Creek Road, North Tonawanda, NY, 14120.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings can be made in Dale’s honor to Scottish Rite for Children, 2222 Welborn St, Dallas, TX 75219 or www.scottishrite.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.TedDickeyFuneral.com for the Smeal family.