William “Bill” Dalton was born December 3, 1942 in San Francisco, California. Bill was the youngest of 5 siblings born to Florence and Aloysius Dalton. Born and raised to a hard-working blue-collar family, Bill quickly learned the value of hard work. In 1967, Bill’s hard work later paid off when he was promoted to Plant Manager of Moore’s Plastics company and transferred to Los Angeles and moved to Garden Grove. Bill always had a passion for law enforcement and was hired, in 1972, as a police officer for the Garden Grove Police Department and finished as the #1 graduating recruit in his academy class. Bill’s keen eye and impeccable memory earned him several awards throughout his career including the “10851” pin, for the most stolen vehicle recoveries and the department highest honor, the Medal of Valor, for saving the life of a robbery/hostage victim. Bill quickly moved up the ranks where he retired as a Lieutenant, in 1998.
Bill continued his commitment that year and was elected to serve as a Councilman for the City of Garden Grove. Bill would later go on to serve a total of 14 years on the council, 6 as a councilman and 8 as the Mayor. Bill served on many boards and commissions during his tenure on the council. After 40 years of dedicated service to the city, Bill retired to spend time with his family. In retirement, Bill was able to dedicate more time to his #1 passion, his family. Bill also enjoyed antique cars, police and fire patch and badge collecting, and 50’s music trivia.
Bill has lived in Garden Grove, since 1967, with his wife Sandy, of 59 years, and their six children, Patricia, William Jr., Pamela, Paula, Robert, and Brian. Bill is also survived by his 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill's honor to St. Columban School or City of Hope.
