Mr. Dale Patterson

Dale Patterson, 82, of Malone, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 14, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of a life well lived. Born in Fort Covington, NY on August 3, 1943, he was the son of the late George and Simmone (Gibeau) Patterson. Dale was raised in North Burke, NY and attended local schools, where he began developing the strong work ethic and love for family and community that would guide him throughout his life. On October 26, 1963, Dale married the love of his life, Cheryl L. (Sancomb) Patterson, at Notre Dame Church in Malone. Together they built a life centered around family, hard work, and deep community ties. From a young age, Dale had a passion for cars. That passion grew into a lifelong career doing what he loved. He and Cheryl owned and operated Dale’s Mobil Gas Station, and Dale later worked as service manager at Lyng’s Ford and Mercury dealership before opening his own used car dealership and garage, Dale’s Discount Auto, where many community members came not only for service but for a friendly conversation. Even after retirement, Dale remained active, driving a bus for the county and continuing to connect with the people in the community he loved. Dale proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps in the late 1950s and was honorably discharged. He was also a dedicated member of the Malone Call Fire Department, where he served as an engineer. In addition, Dale volunteered for more than twenty years with Toys for Tots, helping bring joy to children in the community during the holiday season. Dale was a devoted communicant of Notre Dame Church in Malone and later St. George’s Church in Burke. Known affectionately by family and friends as “Bunky,” he was a man who truly enjoyed life. He was an avid hunter and card player who cherished time spent with friends and family, and he also enjoyed taking the occasional trip to the casino for a little fun and excitement. Many memorable hunting trips were taken in his bus, first known as “The Good Ol’ Boys” and later renamed “On the Road Again.” In later years, after purchasing his camp, he could often be found there “hunting”, playing cards with the Good Ol’ Boys and family, sharing stories, laughter, and enjoying a few cold ones. Many afternoons were also spent as a proud member of the Chateaugay Riverbend Hunting Club. In his later years, Dale discovered a love for woodworking, and it quickly became one of his favorite pastimes. One of the things he enjoyed most was making wooden crosses, often crafting hundreds of them around Christmastime to donate to local nursing homes—a simple but meaningful way he shared kindness and faith with others in the community. He also took great pride in building a one-of-a-kind John Deere truck from an old lawn tractor. It was a project that brought him a lot of joy, and nothing made him happier than taking it for a drive down Route 11, proudly cruising along with a big smile on his face. Well-known throughout the Malone area, Dale was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Above all else, his greatest pride and joy were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who meant the world to him. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-laws, Candace and Glenn Gadway, and Bobbi-Jo and Michael Sorell; his daughter-in-law, Dawn Patterson; three sisters, Pearl LaRocque, Marion (Dorothy) Lowell, and Linda Collette; and one brother, John Patterson. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Jessica Gadway, Jocelyn Gadway, Shelby (Paige) Gadway, Kayla Patterson and her companion Zach, Brittany Patterson and her companion Chris Strack, Kyle Wood and his companion Alanna Vasser, and Raechel (Micah) Lauby. Dale was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Shaye Swiderski, Lorelei Gadway, Journee Gadway, and Walker Gadway. He also leaves behind a special niece, Charlotte Broeker, and special nephews, Bart Patterson, Jay Patterson, Shawn Patterson, Craig Patterson, and Glenn Tavernia. Along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who had become family. In addition to his parents and his beloved wife Cheryl, Dale was predeceased by his sons, Heath Patterson and Jason Patterson, who died at birth in 1974; and his siblings Bill Patterson, Genevieve Tavernia, Warren Patterson, Donald Patterson, and Charlotte Patterson. Dale will be remembered for his generous heart, his sense of humor, his love of family and friends, and the countless stories and memories shared around card tables, hunting camps, and garage bays. His presence will be deeply missed, but the legacy of kindness, laughter, and love he leaves behind will live on in all who knew him. There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 11 a.m. Burial will be held in North Burke Cemetery in the spring. Donations may be made to the Burke Fire Department and Women’s Auxiliary.

Mr. Dale Patterson

August 3, 1943 - March 14, 2026