Aviation was Dale’s passion from early in life, being one of the youngest in the US to make their solo flight at the age of 16. Due to an accident in early life, Dale lost vision in one eye, which ended his lifelong dream of becoming a commercial pilot. Despite this handicap, he successfully made aviation his life's work. In 1966, he founded Beaver Aviation Services which offered a complete line of aviation services, including air charter, air ambulance, cargo services, aircraft sales and flight training. The business had locations in Chippewa, Butler, Meadville, Youngstown, OH and Fort Myers, FL. Dale took great pride in his students. Helping them learn to fly, especially when it led to a career in aviation, was one of his greatest joys. He was instrumental in the development of the aviation program of the Community College of Beaver County, an accredited aviation course for future pilots. Two of Dale’s sons followed in their father’s footsteps to become professional pilots. In 2005, Dale received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots.
Aside from aviation, Dale loved tech gadgets, boating, fishing, and good food and drink with friends. He never met a stranger. If Dale was around, you knew it! Not only because of his booming voice, but also for the crowd that was usually around him being regaled with his stories.
Dale and Katherine, his beloved wife of 60 years, had 3 sons, David, Mark and Matt. He is survived by Katherine; his sons, Mark and Matt and wife, Melissa; sister, Dayna Klinesmith; daughter-in-law, Iris Gardner; and granddaughters, Rhiannon Rabassi and Darcy Newman, as well as many cherished family and friends.
He was preceded in death by parents, John and Emma Rabassi; his brother, Jack Rabassi, and his son David.
A memorial service will be held in Cape Coral at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dale’s name may be made to: Hope Hospice, www.hopeHCS.org, or Lighthouse, www.Lighthouseswfl.org
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