Donald L. Hale, 76, retired MSGT, USAF, of Rome, passed away after a long battle of Agent Orange related illnesses, on May 23, 2017.
He was born April 28, 1941, in Venus, PA, a son of the late John J. and Anna E. Albaugh Hale. Don graduated from Cranberry High School in 1958. He proudly enlisted in the USAF in 1958, served three tours in Vietnam and retired after 22 years of service. He was awarded several medals, including, NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with 4 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters (15 July 63--14 July 81), Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service. The Dept. of the Army commended several Certificates of Appreciation; for outstanding performance and a “special act” while serving as a construction representative in the Army Corps of Engineers at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, for superior service during the construction of the Rodman Materials Laboratory and the ‘state of the art’ Army Materials Research Facility. He also received the Commander’s Certificate of Appreciation as Project Engineer in the New York District for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Don was united in marriage to the former Delores M. O’Neil on July 4, 1963, in Van, PA; a blessed marriage of 54 years. He later worked as a construction contract manager for the U.S government for an additional 27 years.
Don enjoyed many sports and activities. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, bowler, car enthusiast, NASCAR fan and baseball coach for the Town of Lee. He also was a devoted Pittsburgh Pirates, Penguins and Steeler fan. But most of all, he was a dedicated husband and father.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Delores; a son and daughter in law, Christopher A. and Paula Hale of Rome; a daughter, Penny A. Hale of Rome; son and daughter in law, Mark A. and Lani M. Hale of Ava; grandchildren, Alyssa Perron, Myles Hale, Samuel Hale, Arron Tarbania, Breanne Backus and Jenna Decker; and great grandchildren, Siena Perron, Delaney Decker and Elowyn Austin; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Larry “Sonny” E. Hale.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM, at Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Burial with Military Honors will be held at Evergreen Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Tuesday 4 to 7 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Steven Swan Humane Society
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