Dale was quite active from an early age. He was a Cub Scout, a paperboy, as well as a member of the Boys Club. Sports came easily to Dale. He enjoyed participating in Parkview Little League Baseball. His attraction to football began also with Parkview, as Dale was a member of the Pee Wee Football team. In later years Dale would be named Co-Captain of the 1967 NNHS football team. He was always so proud of his letterman's jacket. Dale's athletic ability extended into other areas, such as surfing. He enjoyed surfing with the guys at Hatteras before surfing was even in vogue. Dale also enjoyed dancing and with this came his passion for music that lasted his entire life. Being artistically inclined in other areas, Dale's charcoal drawings are remembered vividly.
After proudly graduating a Typhoon from NNHS in 1968, Dale worked for C & P Telephone as a lineman. Later that same year he married Barbara A. Lucado and together they shared the blessing of daughter Robbie, whom Dale loved unconditionally.
In 1971 Dale was injured in the Alumni Thanksgiving Day Football game between Newport News High and Hampton High. Not daunted by his own paralysis, Dale worked with special needs children, participated in Special Olympics, and coached girls' softball. For the next four decades Dale was lovingly cared for by his devoted mother, Willie. He greatly enjoyed his family and friends. Dale brought joy to all. He was truly an inspiration. It was not unusual for Dale to put the needs of others before his own.
Dale was preceded in death by his father, Robert Marsh Lucado.
He is survived by his mother, Willie Powell Lucado; daughter, Roberta Lucado Curnutte and husband, Robert; sisters, Gail Lucado Phelps, twin, Donna Lucado Dudley and husband George, and Pamela Lucado Phaup; nieces and nephews, Josh Phelps, Ardith Nichols Smith, Ryan Dudley, Erin Dudley, Jeremy Phaup, and Courtney Phaup; and former wife, Barbara Lucado.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Riverside Rehabilitation Institute on Chesapeake Avenue for the wonderful care and compassion given to Dale.
A celebration of Dale's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at First Baptist Church, 12716 Warwick Boulevard, in Newport News.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy be given in the form of a donation to Boys and Girls Club of VA Peninsula, 11825 Rock Landing Drive, Suite B, Newport News, Virginia 23606.
WE LOVE YOU, DALE.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. in Hampton, 23666.
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