Boy Scout Scoutmaster, forever the scientist
Published January 30, 2019
HAMILTON — Ernest A. Dale, 83, passed away on January 28, 2019 following a courageous battle with cancer. Ernest lived in Hamilton for the past 56 years with his beloved wife Jane (Cheever) Dale with whom he shared 59 years of marriage.
Ernie was born at his family home in Wakefield, August 28, 1935, one of seven children of the late Frederick A. Dale and Marion L. (Drake) Dale. He was raised in the Greenwood section of Wakefield and graduated from Wakefield High School. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army as a helicopter and airplane mechanic. Following his service, he attended Northeastern University on the G.I. bill graduating in 1961 with his B.S. degree in Chemistry.
Forever the scientist, Ernie had a long career at GTE Sylvania, Lighting Division as a phosphor chemist, where his patent contributions were notably recognized.
Always active, Ernie had many civic interests and hobbies. In the 1970’s he served as Chairman on the Hamilton Board of Health and was Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 35 where he shared his love of the outdoors on camping, hiking, and canoe trips, while mentoring several scouts to attain their Eagle badges. A true “Jack of all trades,” Ernie enjoyed all aspects of building and mechanics, exhibiting true Yankee ingenuity in all his projects. He spent much of his retirement years expanding his home and engineering his beautiful koi ponds and gardens.
In addition to his wife, Ernie is survived by his two daughters, Sherie Parr and her husband Warren of Danvers, and Nancy Dale of Billerica as well as two grandchildren, Matthew Osberg and Christina Parr. He was predeceased by his sisters, Louise Chapman and Joan Arsenault, and is survived by his brother, Arthur Dale and his sisters, Helene Gerry, Cynthia Kroon, and Debbie Pomerleau, their spouses and several nieces and nephews.
Honoring his request, there are no visiting hours and his burial will be private at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody. Assisting the family with the arrangements is Peterson-O’Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St., (Rt. 62) Danvers. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.
