Obituary of Dale L. Smith

Canajoharie - Dale L. Smith, 83, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 22, 2024, surrounded by his family. 

Born on November 10, 1940, in New Berlin, New York, to the late Donald and Aletta (Miller) Smith. On February 4, 1958, at the age of 17, Dale joined the Army, spent 2 years in Germany and was honorably discharged on January 31, 1964. After the Army, Dale went to work for Ballard Construction, in which he helped build the post office in New Berlin; he then went on to work for Bennett Ireland. On November 30, 1995, Dale retired after 25 years of service from PEG Pharmaceuticals in Norwich, New York. 

Dale was a member of the New Berlin Vol. Fire Department, the New Berlin American Legion Post 348 and the National Rifle Association. He was a longtime supporter of the Fort Plain Baseball Program, the Hilltoppers. He was also an avid outdoorsman, history buff and collector of Native American artifacts. Most of all, Dale was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Dale is survived by his loving wife, Arlene (Edmonds) Smith, whom he married on June 28, 1969; son, Dale D. Smith (Amy); brother, David Smith (Donna); sister, Debra Smith; grandchildren, Hannah, Abigail and Noah; sister-in-law, Marcia Smith; 5 nephews and 2 nieces; special cousins, Joan Miller and Phyllis Guller; close friends, Fred Emhof, Bob Maxson and Denny Payne. Dale was predeceased by his daughter, Crystal Smith in 1971; brother, Donald Smith; sister, Nancy Smith and his cousin, Lamont Smith. 

At this time, no formal services will be held, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to Fort Plain Baseball Boosters to help purchase baseball awards that are given out each season (318 Moyer Street, Canajoharie NY 13317) 

Dale’s care has been entrusted to Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie.