It is with a broken heart the family of Dale Small announces his passing on Saturday February 7, 2026. He was soulmate to wife Becky for 58 years, together they built the home where they raised their family.
He was predeceased by parents Florence and Ralph Small, sisters Rowena Gibbs (Ozzie) and Beulah Howe (Buck), brother-in-law Richard Houdlette, brother Carroll Small, and best friend Barry Grover. He is survived by wife Rebecca, daughters Jennifer Small, Julie Keithley (Jason), Janet Johnson, and Joanne DeLeo (Tony); sister Gloria Houdlette, sister-in-law Gail Small, and adored grandchildren Drew (Hope) and Delaney Keithley; Abby, Liz, and Katie Johnson; Nick, Jack, and Sammy DeLeo; great grandchild Piper Keithley, and many nieces and nephews.
He was a 1957 graduate of Richmond High School. He held various jobs before being drafted by the Army in 1962, where he served two years as a communications specialist. He subsequently partnered with Carl Anderson and established Anderson and Small Fuel Company, where he remained for 20 years. After selling the oil company, he was a realtor, a master carpenter and a true Jack of All Trades. In his free time, he enjoyed carpentry, boating, kayaking, snowmobiling and spending time with his family and friends. He had many nicknames over the years, including Smalley, MacGyver for his ability to fix anything, DRS, Bamp, Rumple and Captain of the Kingfisher.
Dale struggled with dementia from Alzheimer's disease for the last several years of his life. He passed after a brief hospitalization. He will be forever missed. Salut!