Dale E. Leiter

August 8, 2010 was a most beautiful day to ascend into heaven; the day Dale E. Leiter did just that. Waiting with open arms and huge smiles were his loving wife, Katie Leiter and adoring only child, Dianne K. Dotts.

Born Dale Edward Leiter on December 28, 1923 in Remus, Michigan, a kinder man you will never meet. Dale was robust and full of life for 86 years, which very few could keep up with him. Golf was his second greatest passion, he played five and six days a week, often leading leagues at Five Waters Golf Course. When it was too cold to golf you could find him playing cards at the New Philadelphia Elks with a number of his friends or driving to a warmer state to play golf. A fishing pole also fit nicely in his hand.

Dales work career started as a shoe salesman and he quickly rose to management. He didn't wait for things to happen, he made them happen. He married his first love, Mary Catherine Wright, better known as, Katie and that love produced one beautiful daughter, Dianne.

In 1960 the three of them came to the Tuscarawas Valley from Detroit, Michigan and settled in on Slingluff Ave. in Dover. Dale, also known as Pappy, led the team that closed down the old Montgomery Wards store in New Philadelphia and opened the one once located at Heritage Square in Dover.

Dianne attended Dover High School and met LaVerne "Chick" Dotts. It was the real deal for the two of them right from the start. They married three years later and had two girls, Melinda and Karen.

Pappy's work took he and Granny to Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Rock Island, Illinois, Davenport, Iowa, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, Mission Viejo, California, Toledo and finally back to Cross Street in Dover in 1985. Pappy later retired in 1991 from Big Lots in New Philadelphia.

Pappy and Granny spent their twilight years with the family which was his first passion, teaching and loving on his grandchildren, great grandchildren and even his three great-great grandchildren.

Pappy is going to be so deeply missed by so many people. He was very close to his two sisters, Marion Curtiss of Florida and Vivian McBride of Michigan and all of their families; granddaughters Melinda L. Robb (Dotts) husband, Paul and their children, Dale Trae and Nicole along with her two children, Al and Octavia, Karen Dotts, her partner, Curtis; two children, Brittany her partner, Tom; son, Kayden her son, Neil wife Jamie and daughter Jordan. Pap also leaves behind a son in law, Chick and his partner Carol, her two boys Jamie (wife, Sharon) and Shane (wife, Buffy). Not only is Carol Chicks partner but she also graduated with Chick and Diane and shares a very long family with Dale, such as, going along on family vacations and hanging out with Dianne. Pappy loved Chick as a son of his own and the two men spent many years cultivating a very special relationship.

Another saddened heart is that of Gloria who spent a lot of time with Pappy over the last few years. Dale loved taking her places and he always was the perfect gentleman. Pappy was a contagious man-if you knew him-you liked him. Everyone will miss him

Dales last wishes were for everyone to remember all the great times and not have funeral services. Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Dale may do so by visiting the on line obituaries link on the funeral homes website.

The compassionate organization of Hospice will greatly appreciate any contributions in lieu of flowers.

Toland-Herzig
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com

Funeral Home:
Toland-Herzig Dover
803 N. Wooster Ave.
Dover, OH
US 44622