Michael J. Dall

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated, and disciplined person. This description fairly accurately fits Michael J. Dall who was indeed one of that rare breed, a born leader. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical, and realistic, someone who was a born manager. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Mike was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him, and let it be known just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Mike knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Mike was born on June 7, 1949. He first greeted the world in Kingston, New York. He was the son of George A. Dall, Sr. and Virginia H. Dall. He grew up on Dalewood Street in Kingston. As a youngster, Mike learned to be objective, decisive and tough. He contacted polio at 3 months of age, he was a regional poster child for the March of Dimes, he was the earliest person in the world to walk with braces and crutches at 11 months and he did not accept being "crippled".

He was raised with one older brother, George Dall, Jr. (born 1946). They had a great relationship, George was determined to make sure Mike got treated the same as everyone else. George taught Mike to play baseball. Mike played all sports possible. He played golf. He could drive 250 plus yards one handed. Wheelchair basketball, wheelchair marathons were some of his challenges and rewards. Mike's grandparents were Harry & Freida Dall and John & Anna Neidcamp. Mike's grandparents died when he was young, memories of Grandfather Harry are most distinct, he was a character.

Mike’s matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Mike enjoyed being part of teams and organizations, as well as groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Mike liked being socially active and did so by being in the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Little League.

He had a number of favorite pastimes, which included collecting baseball cards. Being a natural leader, he enjoyed playing games with his friends. Mike loved to play Cowboys & Indians and Army with his brother George and cousin George Attanasio. When he would read, he liked to read Hemingway. He attended Chambers Elementary School in Kingston, New York.

Mike was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. This is how he approached his friendships. Some of those friends included John Sewar and Bobby Finch. Mike loved animals, and he had lots of dogs.

Mike felt comfortable taking charge in just about any situation. Whether it was at home or away, he maintained a take-charge attitude. Mike grew up in a 4 bedroom house, as soon as he was old enough he was moved upstairs to the bedroom across from his big brother's.

A logical and focused thinker, Mike was always good at following directions and meeting his deadlines, whether they were set by his teachers or self-imposed. Mike’s personal motto was, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie, NY in 1966. Mike was in the Latin Club, Spanish Club, and Chorus.

While high school was to be taken seriously, Mike knew that there was life outside of the classroom. He approached all of his leisure activities with the same straightforward approach that he used in school. Still, he enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. His interaction with others in his circle of friends seemed to keep everyone around him well-grounded. Those close to him came to expect his high standards. Some of his best friends during this time included John Suttile and Paul Koenig.

Mike seemed to have been born with a sense of responsibility. It seemed that no matter what he undertook, he treated it as though it were of the utmost importance. Such was the case when he took a job at a public golf course in the summers. His sense of responsibility did not end. Mike's first car was his '58 Oldsmobile, which was given to him by his dad and brother.

Mike’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. When Mike saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. Mike attended Niagara University in Niagara, NY and in 1970; he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting.

Because he was such a straight-shooter, he developed a strong group of friends during his college years. One of his best friends was his dorm mate, Calvin Murphy, the Hall of Fame Basketball player. As was the time, Mike protested everything. He also travelled to a lot of sporting events.

An objective and conscientious individual, Mike reveled in the security of those closest to him. This was especially true with Mike's first marriage to Angeline Ratajczak, and his second to Maria Irene.

Mike and Angie met in Buffalo, New York on a blind date during college arranged by Angie's friend Angel. A wedding reception was held in Buffalo, New York, and was a typical Polish wedding. They made Mike wear a funny hat. They honeymooned at the Thousand Islands, New York. They first lived on Richbell Road in Mamaroneck, New York. They then bought a house at 648 Wood Street, in Mamaroneck, New York. It had3 bedrooms and a nice back yard with deck and swing set. Their mutual friends were Barbara and Richard Santorsola, Chuck and Jeanette Mirabale, Karen and Buzzy. They used to have BBQ's in the backyard where they all used to sing and harmonize. Later, they had a dog named Taiko.

Mike and Irene met in Queens, New York. They met through common friends that knew they would be perfect for each other. Their first date was a memorable one. They spent a beautiful sunny day at Rockaway Beach in Queens, and it was love at first sight. About six months later, on the way to Mike's mother's house, he pulled over his white convertible car into the Mobil Gas Station. He needed to propose to Irene there because he couldn’t wait any longer. . Mike and Irene were married on July 31, 1998. It was a small outdoor ceremony with family and friends in Eastchester, New York. The Town Clerk, Gerald William, officiated. Silvana Pereira was a bridesmaid and Barney Hagan a groomsman. Norma Ulan was the Maid of Honor and George Dall, Jr., was Best Man. The wedding celebration was held at Scala Brasil in Astoria, New York. At the time of the wedding reception, Mike's Dad, George, wasn't in good health so they left him at home with the phone by him so he could "page" Mike if an emergency came up. George decided to test the emergency system and then forgot that the phone was under the pillow and therefore didn’t hear it to answer when the family called to check on him. The family, worried, rushed home to check on him and found him relaxing while watching TV. They spent a one week honeymooning at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts. Their first residence was a two bedroom apartment in Astoria, New York. They later bought a condo in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and one in Vila Velha-ES Brazil. Their friends were Santa and Paul Miller, Carol and Phil Leecock, Joao Fonseca and Fabio Tiburicio. They would spend sunny Sundays over the summer at Barney Hagan's pool and backyard. They had a cat, Marc Anthony, who was left to them by their beloved friend Kalil Eustaquio. Mike was the President of the Board Directors for two consecutive years at the Meadow Ridge East Association Community Group. Mike volunteered for five years at Horizon Club Nursing Home where he would play cards and trivia games with the residents.

One of Mike’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, as well as his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends. The couple made new friends during their years together.

Mike was ever watchful of his family. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for how each member developed. Some may have believed he was a bit overprotective because he maintained a firm hand in most family matters. But he would give his stamp of approval to any request, as long as he could see how it might be beneficial. Mike had five children, Alycia M. Dall Carcillo, Zachary M. Dall, Liam T. Dall, Aryelle Franco De Jesus and Ferdynnan Franco De Jesus. Mike loved all of them and pushed them to be their best. He was a proud parent. He would often be filled with pride because of the accomplishments of his children. Liam, Zach & Alycia all obtained their Masters Degrees and are accomplished in their careers. He was very proud of Aryelle for attending Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts for her Baking and Pastry Associates Degree and of Freddy for going back to school for his music degree.

Mike provided a warm, safe and nurturing environment for his children. He enjoyed family vacations, and also tried to teach responsibility when the family would travel. He and his kids travelled to Hilton Head Island, Virginia Beach, Lake George, Disney World, Niagara Falls (the United States side), and Brasilia (the capital of Brazil)..

Right out of college, Mike worked for Price Waterhouse in New York City, as an Accountant, and then as a controller for Chilean Nitrate Sales Corporation, which was one of the first tenants of the World Trade Center. Here he travelled to South America as a foreign national, which was probably his most unique job. Later, he worked for Sentry Data Systems as a manager for school systems, where he was a pioneer in data integration. He began the company with two former Price Waterhouse employees and built it to over fifty specialists. He ended his working career as the President of the Board of Directors of the Meadowridge East Association, in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

Mike’s ability to take command and his sense of humor caused him to be popular around his various places of employment. He had a number of friends, including Jimmy Cooke, Bob Stats, Paul Lazarus, and Carol Francese. He was loved by his friends and employees.

For Mike, many things brought him joy in life. Mike's favorite season was summertime. He loved laying by the pool and going to the beach. He loved playing wheelchair basketball and running wheelchair marathons. He also enjoyed coaching his children in sports, collecting baseball memorabilia, reading, cooking, being outdoors, and watching sports. His favorite teams included the Yankees, Giants, Knicks and the Brasil National Soccer Team. He felt that food was there to be enjoyed, especially his favorites, such as peanut butter, Chinese food, Dunkin’ Doughnuts coffee and Rib eye Steak. Reading was very important as well and Mike loved reading any books by Stephen King, murder mysteries, Sports Illustrated, NY Daily News & NY Post. He also liked to watch movies such as 50 First Dates, Gone with the Wind, and the Godfather Series. His favorite shows were anything to do with cooking and food, Law & Order, and Jeopardy. He also had a huge love for music and used to sing in a band. Mike especially liked Classic Rock, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, and Caetano Volos.

Faith was important to Mike. He held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. Mike was a lifelong Roman Catholic. As a young boy, he was an Altar Server.

Retirement finally arrived where Mike retired in 2005He retired to Deerfield Beach, Florida and Vila Velha - ES (Brazil). He loved spending his day by the pool or beach, and hanging out with friends. Some of those new friends included Gwen Rodriguez, Carol Francese, Steven Skelly and George Judge.

Michael J. Dall left us on June 15, 2011. He passed away at Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Boca Raton, Florida. He just celebrated his birthday and was 62 years old. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, George H. Dall, Sr., and Virginia H. Dall. He is survived by his wife, Irene, his children Alycia, Zachary, Liam, Aryelle, and Freddy; his grandchildren Aniela and Margaret, brother George, niece Amy and nephew Marc. Services were handled by Babione Funeral Home. After Mike's cremation, his ashes will be placed alongside his parents in Kingston, New York and Vila Velha- ES Brazil.

All who knew him would agree that Mike was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly planted on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Michael J. Dall did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched were given the chance to become a better person.