USAF (Ret) MSgt. Leslie N. Dale

Leslie was born in Portland, Maine, on May 22, 1940 to Edith and Richard Dale, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up primarily in Maine but his family eventually moved to Florida when he was a teenager. Shortly afterwards he joined the Air Force and served his country for 26 years primarily as a Hospital Administrator. His first overseas assignment to Athens, Greece changed his life, for that is where he fell in love with both Anastasia Dale, and the country of Greece. In 1985, he retired from the Air Force and joined the Army National Guard and attended the University of Texas at San Antonio.

In addition to serving our country and being a seasonal hunter, Leslie was an active Amateur Radio Operator throughout his adult life. His knowledge and love of Amateur Radio was passed on to many others, including his daughter Lynda. While in the military, he would volunteer to operate the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS), handling communications between military families before the 'Internet'. In his later years, he served as an Examiner and was recognized by the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) as one of their top 25 Volunteer Examiners. He met many wonderful people through Amateur Radio that enriched his life.

Leslie was also preceded in death by his brother, Allen Dale; his sisters, Alecia Figaratto and Diane Doughty; his grandson, Anthony Baker; and mother-in-law, Fotini Papadopoulou.

Leslie is survived by his brother Richard; sisters, Donna and Roberta; former wife and friend Anastasia Dale; daughter Lynda Dale-Roos and husband Morris Roos; daughter Lesley Dale and wife Gloria Perez; daughter Lara Baker and husband Gary; grandson Chris Wilkins; granddaughter Stephanea Sotcheff; granddaughter Sophia Sotcheff and husband Jonathon McDonald; former son-in-law Steven Sotcheff; grandson Justin Osborne; grandson Andrew Baker and wife Myriah Naegele; great-granddaughter Ryleigh Wilkins; great-grandsons Drew Baker and Gaius McDonald.

The Funeral Services will commence on December 14, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church and conclude with Full Military Honors at Mission Park South Cemetery. A gathering celebrating Leslie's life will be held at Saint Sophia Church, Mangos Hall following the Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Alzheimer's Association