Dale E Ackley

Dale was born in Oneonta, New York, in June 1942 and graduated from Franklin Central School. He later attended the National School of Meat Cutting – Toledo and began work as a butcher, which was his lifetime career. His work ethic was unmatched – something he passed down to his five children.

In February 1968, he married Theresa (Burns) Ackley. Their children were all born in upstate New York, before most of the family relocated to Dunedin more than 35 years ago.

Dale “retired” in 2004, but never slowed down, instead he traded his knives and coat for strollers and sneakers. He helped Theresa with her home daycare business, where they both had a huge impact on the lives of the children they cared for – many of whom continue to stay in touch with them and are part of the extended family.

Dale and Theresa enjoyed an adventurous retirement full of travel, exploring much of Europe and taking more than 25 cruises. They became avid walkers and hikers – holding hands wherever they went.

He and Theresa spent summers at their oldest son’s campground with his family in upstate New York. There Dale would spend his days splitting wood for the other campers and his evenings enjoying quiet meals on the deck. The weekends were for family time, and he loved playing with his great-grandchildren, while his grandchildren watched, happy to have a bit of a break while the kids played with grandpa.

Dale loved woodworking, riding alongside his son Mike in his Peterbuilt truck, making holiday decorations for family and friends, doing DIY projects around the house and gardening. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, loved a good joke and anything that involved being outside on a nice day.

But, most of all, Dale dedicated his time to his family, especially his 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. His family continues to grow with another grandchild and two more great-grandchildren on the way.

He will be deeply missed, but his memory lives on in all those that he has touched.

Dale is survived by his loving wife, Theresa; their five children: Mike (Sherry), David (Ray), Dale (Michelle), Sue (Stan) and Nancy (Jason); his 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, as well as three siblings: Denny, Dick, and Aggie and an amazing extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater, on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Visitation will begin at 11:00am, with the memorial service scheduled for 12:00pm, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Suncoast Hospice Foundation: https://suncoasthospicefoundation.org/donations2/ in Dale’s memory.