Obituary for Geoffrey H. Dale
Geoffrey H. Dale of Simsbury departed this life for the next on December 5th, 2023, at the age of 91. He was born in England in 1932. As a young lad, he was shaped by war, hunger, and hard work, while as he meticulously completed his studies. Upon graduation, he joined the Merchant Marines Officer Corps working ships around the world before immigrating to Bermuda and then on to New York City in 1957 where he married the love of his life, Elaine. He became a U. S. citizen on July 4th, 1964.
Geoff was a character. He had deep faith, confidence, and strong opinions about everything. and was more than happy to share it with you. He was referred to as “The Commander” in his personal social circle. He had a sharp mind and a quick wit followed by a wonderful laugh. He was a gifted orator and storyteller. He used his proper British upbringing, great memory, and a silver tongue with that slight English accent while he challenged, cajoled, entertained, and sometimes stung, while quoting a lot of Shakespeare along the way. He loved history and travel and was a founding father of the “Read every Signboard in the Park” Club, with mandatory input and discussion for each panel. He liked the beach best, followed by hiking, tennis, gardening, golf, home-cooked food, camping, and the Muppet show in no particular order. Not widely known, his musical taste centered on New Orleans Jazz.
Geoff loved Simsbury. He arrived in town with his young family in 1960 while part of the corporate staff of Combustion Engineering headquartered in Windsor. He served 30 years as a senior financial executive before retiring in 1986 and starting his own consulting firm. He was good at his job and enjoyed it, but family, friends, faith, and civic responsibility were his main passions. Nationally, he served on the BOD of American Diabetes Association during its formative years. Statewide: he volunteered with United Way, Combined Health Appeal, and Capital region social services. Geoff served the Town of Simsbury for over 30 years. Board of Assessors, Board of Finance, and many commissions and Committees including the Town Trusts, Economic Development, Charter Revision, Town Manager Study… He was given the Hometown Hero Award 1989 and Public Servant Award in 1998 for his civic work.
He was a long-time member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Tariffville, CT and served on their vestry. He is survived by his wife Elaine of 66 years, a son Mark and his wife Melissa, a daughter Susan and two grandchildren, Jacob and Carly.
Geoffrey had a life well lived and will forever be remembered by family friends.
Calling hours will be at Vincent’s Funeral Home in Simsbury on Tuesday, December 12th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. A service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Tariffville on Wednesday, December 13th at 10:00 am with a burial immediately following at the Simsbury Cemetery. Please visit Geoff's Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
Geoff was a character. He had deep faith, confidence, and strong opinions about everything. and was more than happy to share it with you. He was referred to as “The Commander” in his personal social circle. He had a sharp mind and a quick wit followed by a wonderful laugh. He was a gifted orator and storyteller. He used his proper British upbringing, great memory, and a silver tongue with that slight English accent while he challenged, cajoled, entertained, and sometimes stung, while quoting a lot of Shakespeare along the way. He loved history and travel and was a founding father of the “Read every Signboard in the Park” Club, with mandatory input and discussion for each panel. He liked the beach best, followed by hiking, tennis, gardening, golf, home-cooked food, camping, and the Muppet show in no particular order. Not widely known, his musical taste centered on New Orleans Jazz.
Geoff loved Simsbury. He arrived in town with his young family in 1960 while part of the corporate staff of Combustion Engineering headquartered in Windsor. He served 30 years as a senior financial executive before retiring in 1986 and starting his own consulting firm. He was good at his job and enjoyed it, but family, friends, faith, and civic responsibility were his main passions. Nationally, he served on the BOD of American Diabetes Association during its formative years. Statewide: he volunteered with United Way, Combined Health Appeal, and Capital region social services. Geoff served the Town of Simsbury for over 30 years. Board of Assessors, Board of Finance, and many commissions and Committees including the Town Trusts, Economic Development, Charter Revision, Town Manager Study… He was given the Hometown Hero Award 1989 and Public Servant Award in 1998 for his civic work.
He was a long-time member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Tariffville, CT and served on their vestry. He is survived by his wife Elaine of 66 years, a son Mark and his wife Melissa, a daughter Susan and two grandchildren, Jacob and Carly.
Geoffrey had a life well lived and will forever be remembered by family friends.
Calling hours will be at Vincent’s Funeral Home in Simsbury on Tuesday, December 12th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. A service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Tariffville on Wednesday, December 13th at 10:00 am with a burial immediately following at the Simsbury Cemetery. Please visit Geoff's Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.