Raymond, Dale Chester

Passed passed away peacefully on April 5, 2024 at the age of 77. Predeceased By his parents, Chester and Viola Raymond.  Survived by his brother Gary, Raymond, and sister Ann (Jack) Wolf and the Arc of Monroe, family and friends.

Dale grew up in Fairport, N.Y. where he lived with his brother Gary, up until 2011. Dale loved his family dearly, he was very close to his parents growing up and thought the world of his brother Gary, and his sister, Ann.

He also enjoyed spending time with his cousins over the years. He loved his hometown and was a friend to many in the community. He had a strong faith and was a member of Bethlehem Luteran church where he served as an usher for several years. Dale was also very active in the Boy Scouts during his youth. While growing up, Dale attended special education classes through Fairport School District and BOCES. After completing school, Dale worked as a custodian for the Fairport School District for over 30 years, he took great pride in his work. During this time, Dale became close friends with one of the teachers, Paula, who became a lifelong friend. Dale enjoyed attending many Fairport sporting events with Paula and her family. He also had a special friendship with his hometown barber, Rocky, for many years. Everyone who knew Dale embraced him for his kindness, he was a sweet, gentle, loving soul.

Dale was a huge fan of the Buffalo Bills and always looked forward to football season, it was his favorite time of the year! He also loved the Syracuse Orangeman, Yankees baseball, and Red Wings where he attended some games with his brother. He looked forward to celebrating special occasions with his family and friends. After retiring from the school district, Dale had no interest in slowing down. He took on a new job at Arc Works through Arc of Monroe where he made many new friends, his co-workers and supervisor referred to him as always being a “good friend”.

In Jan. 2011, Dale endured a life changing event after being hit by a car which left him with a spinal cord injury. While Dale faced many challenges, he fought his battles quietly and with courage. He was never one to want the focus to be about him, always thinking of others. Thereafter, Dale moved to Monroe Community Hospital where he became a long-term resident and developed wonderful relationships with his caregivers throughout the years. Many were saddened to learn of Dale’s passing commenting “It feels like the end of an era”.

Arc of Monroe Guardianship became involved in Dale’s life when he moved to MCH, providing him with advocacy and monitoring of his care needs, as well as supporting his wishes. Dale attended many guardianship events and parties where he was well known to many, he was truly an absolute joy to know! Dale also had senior companions visit with him daily whom he enjoyed spending time with, special thanks to Dan, Barb, Lori, Joan, and Chantil for your time spent with Dale, he loved your friendship.

Dale will be remembered for his kind, sweet, soul, his caring ways, and of course his love for the Buffalo Bills. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Arc of Monroe.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 10 AM to 11 AM at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church (48 Parrin St. Fairport, NY 14450) with a celebration of life service to follow at 11 AM.  A burial at Oakwood cemetery (1975 Baird Rd, Penfield, NY 14526) to follow the celebration of life. Those who wish are welcome to wear Buffalo Bills attire, and honor of Dale.


Comments

9 responses to “Raymond, Dale Chester”

  1. Wayne Spitz Avatar
    Wayne Spitz

    I’d not know Dale but from reading his obituary it was clear that his life impacted numerous people thru his work , friends and family.
    What a beautiful person.

  2. Andrew Zeiner Avatar
    Andrew Zeiner

    Gary, sorry about the loss of your brother. I see it runs the family, he was very active like you.

    God bless
    Andy and Patti Zeiner

  3. Jim Campbell Avatar
    Jim Campbell

    Dale was certainly the gentle giant. I have never known anyone like him and probably never will again. He never had any harsh words to say about anyone or to anyone. He will be sorely missed. God bless you Dale.

  4. I didn’t meet Dale until much later in life, but what a pleasure it was when I did. Dale was polite and kind beyond measure, and always thought of others, rather the focus being on him. I never heard Dale say a bad word about anyone, always thinking of others- rather than himself. He and my birth-mother were devoted to Bethlehem Lutheran, with choir and ushering —-he loved being an usher! Not long after Dale’s accident, Terri Lazeski became his Guardian with ARC. He loved Terri, and he could not have had a better care-giver and friend. You are missed and loved, Dale. 🙏🏻

  5. Dan Hinrichs Avatar
    Dan Hinrichs

    Dale was a kind and gentle soul who definitely enjoyed fellowship with others.

    I always looked forward to his KC summer visits with his brother Gary.
    They would stay busy going to baseball games, playing miniature golf, swimming, etc..
    It was wonderful seeing the connection between the brothers, Gary loved and was very proud of Dale.

    Dale had a great sense of humor which would be on display regarding the Bills vs the Chiefs.

    Dale will be greatly missed he was an outstanding person.

  6. Lisa Nielson Avatar
    Lisa Nielson

    Dale you were the life of the party ,you will be missed ,and I will say this for you ,GO Bill’s
    Always a pleasure to be around

  7. Paula Anderson Avatar
    Paula Anderson

    Dale,
    Our family was so blessed to have you in our lives! You were my best buddy at Dudley, cleaning my classroom and you and I always talking about Fairport sports! Tyler and Kelsie loved when you attended their sporting events with us. We loved all the birthday and Christmas celebrations throughout the years with you! We always told everyone about our dear friend Dale who was so kind and giving! We loved spending time with you each week and you always brought us so much happiness!! We will miss you so much! We love you and you will always hold a very special place in our hearts!! Rest in Gods peace!

  8. Terri Lazeski Avatar
    Terri Lazeski

    Arc Monroe Guardianship feels so blessed to have known Dale these last several years, he was an absolute joy! Such a kind, sweet, gentle soul. He taught us all so much about perseverance and strength. Thank you for your friendship Dale. You will be missed dearly! We’ll be cheering on the Buffalo Bills for you!! Rest in peace and God bless 🙏

  9. Steve Hayes Avatar
    Steve Hayes

    Gary, very sorry for your loss. I know you looked up to your big brother and the two of you shared a close bond and love for one another, and you will miss him dearly.

    It’s probably been 40 years since I last saw Dale when he came to Kansas City on one of his trips to visit Gary. I recall him being a Baltimore Orioles fan at the time because of the Red Wings association with the Orioles. His trip was centered around seeing his beloved Orioles play the Royals. He had a remarkable memory and he knew every current and former Oriole player, their statistics and their story. It was a lot of fun going to games with him and talking about it afterwards.

    I remember Dale’s enthusiasm for life. It was infectious. When you met him, he was instantly your friend. I also remember his considerate nature with his new friends.

    Learning that he remained unchanged and true to himself while enduring the immense difficulties that resulted from his tragic accident is an awesome inspiration.

    Gary, I’m thinking of you and wish you peace and comfort.

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