Dale A. Walley
September 7, 1945 - April 20, 2025
Dale A. Walley, age 79, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Born in Beaver Falls, PA, on September 7, 1945, Dale was the son of the late Rupert A. and Alfarata (McEhatten) Walley. He built a long and respected career in aviation, beginning at Atlantic Aviation and continuing through Summit Aviation, Red Eagle, and most recently, Velocity Maintenance Solutions, where his dedication and professionalism left a lasting legacy.
In January 2020, Dale was honored with the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, recognizing 50 years of exemplary aviation maintenance experience, distinguished professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to aviation safety.
Dale would have celebrated 60 years of marriage to the love of his life, Eileen (Floyd) Walley in May. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to their family. Dale’s family was his greatest joy. He treated his loved ones like royalty- generous with his time and love. He never missed a single one of his daughters’ or granddaughter’s activities or games, always showing up full of pride and with a smile. His daughters Michele and Diane Lee, and granddaughter, Madison, were the light of his life, and this past year, he found immense happiness in welcoming his first great-grandson, Austin. He and Eileen were even honored as Delaware’s Grandparents of the Year—a reflection of the deep love and dedication he brought to every role he played in life. Dale made friends everywhere he went, known for his quick wit, easy conversation, and sincere kindness. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Diane Lee Walley, and his sister, Cynthia Mercer.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Eileen (Floyd) Walley; his daughter, Michele W. Tucker and her husband Shawn of Wilmington; his granddaughter, Madison Onesi and her husband Alex; and his great-grandson, Austin; his brothers, Dr. Bruce Walley and his wife Liz of Winston-Salem, NC, G. Thomas Walley and his wife Gail of Gastonia, NC, sister in-law Susan R. Walley and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12 pm. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dale’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here.
Tina Lloyd
Mr. Walley was charismatic, funny, and loved his girls. He always made sure they had anything and everything they needed and would sacrificed much to give so much!
His girls were so precious to him.
He had such a great sense of humor and has passed that down to his blood line.
If you ever wondered where Michele got her sense of humor, you wouldn’t need to look any further than her father. I can still hear his giggle. His laughter will be missed.
Dale was passionate and dedicated to his family and would do anything for them.
Madison, the Apple of his eye, brought a whole new level of dedication and love from Mr. Walley.
He was so proud of her and would have done and given anything for her to be happy.
Love that like is so precious. We can hope that everyone keeps the memories alive and pass them on so others can experience.
Sylvia n Lee
So sorry to hear of your loss. Remember his gentle ways. A good man that will be a real loss to family and friends.
Catherine Reader
So sorry for your loss. Wish I could be there with you at this very sad time.
Erin Callaway
Mr. Walley was the best neighbor in Penn Acres. I have so many memories of him with my father and all of Tatlow Lane laughing about something (probably inappropriate). So sorry for your loss Mrs. Walley, Michelle, Madison and all of the family. Hugs
Heather Janocha
My Uncle Dale was a great man, husband, father, grandfather and greatest grandfather. I always told my aunt she was the luckiest woman.
I will remember him and his witty jokes. He could always make you laugh. We will miss him greatly. 💜
Heather Janocha
My Uncle Dale was a great man, husband, father, grandfather, and greatest grandfather.
I always told my aunt that she was the luckiest woman because she found such a great man.
I will remember my uncle as someone that could always make you laugh, except when he made fun of my hairy legs when I was little. He always had a joke to tell you.
If I ever needed anything he was always there for me. If he didn’t have the answer he would call you back with it. He always put others ahead of himself. He dedicated his life to his family. He did everything to make sure they were happy and had everything they needed. He was selfless. He would do anything for anyone.
Growing up I spent a lot of time with my aunt and uncle and cousins. They always made me feel a part of that family closeness.
I remember going to the air shows when he worked at Summit. I had so much fun.
We would go to dinner with them and the best part was just being with them.
I have a lot of great memories of him and I will greatly miss him.
I love you 💜
Ethan Wyatt
Every time I came to visit I called him pop pop. I would never forget when we use to go to dinners and he said you can get anything you want on the menu. My pop pop had a very big heart, every time I seen him he was smiling. I remember he would let me sit up on the plane, that he was working on, he was very smart and intelligent. My pop pop was caring, he was very nice to everyone, he was very funny. He was a gentlemen, my mom really loved him, he did anything to visit us and spend time with us. He was a great pop pop that loved his family no matter what. Love ❤️ Pop Pop
Jenna Walley
I have so many fun memories joking around with Uncle Dale. But my overriding memories are of him showing up and running around happily for the ladies. His love for Aunt Eileen, Michele, Diane Lee and Maddy was beyond compare. We miss him so much already. Truly a one of a kind.
Carole Lee Waslick
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about your beloved husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa.I wish I could just reach out and take your tears away, and turn the sorrow of this time to lovely yesterdays. But, all I can give you are words of love and comfort, prayers and the promise of “I’m here for you.”
I’ve always loved Dale’s smile and tender heart. It seems to me that Dale would cherish the knowledge that his family and friends were remembering the sound of his laugh, the beam in his smile, the light in his eyes, the life he put into living and all his kindness towards his family and friends. (It takes some time to get here.)
His Faith assures you of his happiness with our Maker. God is true to His promises. He will never leave nor forsake.
Life is Beautiful — So, too, is Afterlife.
May God Bless you and your Family at this most difficult time.
Michele — You never lived a day in your life without your beloved Dad.
We All Loved Him too.
Lovingly,
Bob and Carole Lee 🛐🛐🛐
Dale Boyer
Wonderful man, enjoyed every moment I spent talking to him, phenomenal avionics technician. He will be missed by the other Dale
Pastor and Mrs. McConico
Eileen and Michelle, sorry for your loss. Dale was always and gentle in spirit. I’m truly grateful to have known him and to have been a part of my and my wife’s life. He will be greatly missed. Praying for you and your family. Pastor and Mrs. McConico
Larry Keating
A good friend and mentor always a smile on his face
Joan Maxwell
Dear Eileen,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and Dale had a wonderful love story. I loved the video. I hope all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. Sorry 😢 I couldn’t be there in person but you are in my thoughts and prayers. 🙏♥️
Andrew H Anderson
I was so saddened to hear that Dale had passed away. I met Dale at Red Eagle Avionics around 2003 and he and struck an immeadiate kinship. I think we both really enjoyed each others company and in addition to doing work for me I also had the pleasue of having luch with him a few times. For those that are not in Aviation, the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic award is a very coveted award and no one deserved it more than Dale. As the saying goes, “we lost one of the good ones”.
Rest in Peace Dale.
Susan Elaine Walley
Dale Walley was one of the most interesting and generous people I’ve ever known. He was unfailingly thoughtful and at least one step ahead of the rest of us as the family “fixer”. SO quick with a spontaneous, hilarious (not to mention occasionally embarrassing…) quip! Certainly he was the best brother-in-law anyone could have lucked into.
I have admired his enduring devotion to Eileen and his humility when describing his work. His deep love and appreciation for both has been abundantly apparent for the more than 50 years I have had the pleasure of inclusion in his orbit. The sweet photos in the slide show illustrate his happy commitment to and participation in the lives of his tribe: his daughters, granddaughter, their spouses, and his charming relationship with his great grandson.
Such a special man. Thank you for the memories, Dale. We already miss you like crazy. 💔