Mr. Dale Patterson

Dale Patterson, 82, of Malone, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on March 14, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of a life well lived.

Born in Fort Covington, NY on August 3, 1943, he was the son of the late George and Simmone (Gibeau) Patterson. Raised in North Burke, NY, Dale developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for family and community that guided him throughout his life. On October 26, 1963, he married the love of his life, Cheryl L. (Sancomb) Patterson, at Notre Dame Church in Malone. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and lasting community ties.

From a young age, Dale had a passion for cars that grew into a lifelong career. He and Cheryl owned and operated Dale’s Mobil Gas Station, and he later served as service manager at Lyng’s Ford and Mercury dealership before opening his own used car dealership and garage, Dale’s Discount Auto. Known for his friendly conversation as much as his mechanical skill, he remained active in retirement, driving a county bus and staying connected with the people around him. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps in the late 1950s, was an engineer with the Malone Call Fire Department, and volunteered for more than twenty years with Toys for Tots. A devoted communicant of Notre Dame Church in Malone and later St. George’s Church in Burke, Dale—affectionately known as “Bunky”—enjoyed hunting, playing cards, and spending time with friends and family. Many memorable trips were taken in his bus, first called “The Good Ol’ Boys” and later “On the Road Again.” After purchasing his camp, he could often be found there sharing stories, laughter, and cold drinks with the Good Ol’ Boys and family. He was also a proud member of the Chateaugay Riverbend Hunting Club. In his later years, Dale found joy in woodworking, crafting hundreds of wooden crosses each Christmas to donate to local nursing homes and building a unique John Deere truck from an old lawn tractor that he loved driving down Route 11.

Above all, Dale’s greatest pride and joy were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Candace and Glenn Gadway, and Bobbi-Jo and Michael Sorell; his daughter-in-law, Dawn Patterson; three sisters, Pearl LaRocque, Marion (Dorothy) Lowell, and Linda Collette; and one brother, John Patterson. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Jessica Gadway, Jocelyn Gadway, Shelby (Paige) Gadway, Kayla Patterson and her companion Zach, Brittany Patterson and her companion Chris Strack, Kyle Wood and his companion Alanna Vasser, and Raechel (Micah) Lauby, and four great-grandchildren: Shaye Swiderski, Lorelei Gadway, Journee Gadway, and Walker Gadway. He leaves behind a special niece, Charlotte Broeker, and special nephews, Bart Patterson, Jay Patterson, Shawn Patterson, Craig Patterson, and Glenn Tavernia, along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who had become family.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife Cheryl, Dale was predeceased by his sons, Heath Patterson and Jason Patterson, who died at birth in 1974, and his siblings Bill Patterson, Genevieve Tavernia, Warren Patterson, Donald Patterson, and Charlotte Patterson. He will be remembered for his generous heart, his sense of humor, and the countless stories and memories shared around card tables, hunting camps, and garage bays. His presence will be deeply missed, but the legacy of kindness, laughter, and love he leaves behind will live on in all who knew him.