Daniel Hugo DeMale, 87, of Eastham, formerly of Middletown, CT gave up his brave fight against heart failure on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at his home. He was the beloved husband of Vida Ruth Ritchie for 62 years.
He was born in Middletown, CT on Sept 16, 1925, the son of German immigrants, Hugo and Nellie (Habelmann) DeMale. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy during WW2. He served as an Armed Guard on Atlantic convoys and during the D-day invasion. After discharge, he went to electronics school and then worked for RCA. Later he was employed by United Technologies in E Hartford and Middletown in the engineering department. He retired in 1983 when he and Vida retired to their dream come true life. They enjoyed much that the Cape has to offer - swimming, boating, fishing, biking etc. They became square dancers with the Nau-set Squares. They were early members of the Eastham Forum where they worked on the Eastham Forum Flower Islands (EFFI's). Under their leadership as co-coordinators for the past 28 years, the EFFI's have grown from 3 to 21 gardens. In 2004, they were chosen as Eastham Citizens of the Year.
Besides his wife Vida, he is survived by a son Daniel, 2 grandsons Michael and Christopher with wife Jennifer, 3 great-granddaughters Eliana, Ava and Quinn, of Naperville, IL. He leaves a sister Eleanor McNeil with husband Robert of Dennis. From Eastham, 2 nieces, Elaine Gaffey Lucas and husband Arthur, and Gail Gaffey Pietrycha and husband Richard, as well as additional nephews and nieces Debbie, Bonnie, David, Tim and Brian.
The Nickerson Funeral Home is arranging a military internment to be held at the Evergreen Cemetery, Rte 6 Eastham on Wednesday April 10 at 1 PM. There will be a celebration of his life at the Eastham United Methodist Church in July. Date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the VNA Hospice, 434 Rte. 134 suiteD3, S Dennis, MA 02660, or Eastham United Methodist Church, Rte. 6 Eastham, Ma 02642.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18