Dale Lynn Rockwell Sr.

Dale Lynn Rockwell Sr.

Of Susquehanna, PA

Dale Lynn Rockwell, 73, of Susquehanna, PA was called home unexpectedly on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

He was predeceased by his first wife Beatrice “Beazy”; parents Albert & Betty; son Jimmy; and brothers Joel and Ray Rockwell.

Dale is survived by his loving wife Kelly (Lee) Rockwell; beloved children Dale Rockwell Jr., Matt & Debora Rockwell, Ryan & Andrea Lee, and Jared Rockwell; siblings Poppy Rockwell, Terry & Wanda Rockwell, Diane & Danny Botts, Stanley & Alice Rockwell, Pat & Ron Barton, Kim Rockwell, and Aaron & Alyssa Rockwell; sister-in-law Carol Rockwell; mother-in-law Ann Marie Lee; father-in-law William Lee and stepmom Anita Tyrell; sisters-in-law "Delta" Dawn Braidnard, Julie Lee, Daniel & Lisa Lee, Amy Shelp and Randy Reed, Jennifer & Michael Payne; grandchildren Cooper Rockwell, Cody & Jess Rockwell, Dylan & Patricia Rockwell, Porter & Mercedes Rockwell, Rockell Rockwell, Alyis Rockwell, Lucas Rockwell, Natalia Rockwell Grayson Lee and Camilla Lee; great granddaughter Jade Rockwell; and many treasured nieces and nephews.

Dale grew up in Stevens Point, PA, and was the fourth of ten children of Albert and Betty Rockwell. He thrived growing up with his siblings in Stevens Point, he especially enjoyed being on his grandparent’s farm, he loved the farm animals and machinery.

Dale was active in boy scouts and his dad was a scoutmaster and went on many scouting adventures, camping and canoeing, etc..

He was mechanically talented and was employed at Automation in Windsor, NY, then later at Kasson Industries in Kirkwood, NY. In addition to working full-time he and brothers Poppy and Stanley worked together on side jobs, doing roofing and other construction work. Dale helped his siblings build their houses and was always around to give a helping hand. Along the way Dale became specialized in domestic heating systems, coolers and refrigerators. For local homeowners, eventually he focused on oil-fired furnaces and associated equipment and found himself in demand, especially when cold weather rolled around. He acquired a reputation as a dependable and honest serviceman. Dale was extremely compassionate and understanding with elderly customers with limited income and would respond to problems at all hours of the day and all kinds of weather.

Everyone always looked forward to Kelly and Dale’s famous Labor Day parties with endless food and drinks, karaoke, and old time visiting. The hi-lite of the picnic would be when Dale would draw names, and every youngster would receive a gift such as a school backpack or even a new bicycle. No one was left out and smiles abounded.

Dale thoroughly enjoyed his later days despite episodes of cancer and heart problems which forced him to scale back his repair services. During this period, he conducted “Tele-Furnace”, like tele medicine but for people with furnace problems. He would diagnose the problem over the phone and recommend corrective actions and say “stop by and I’ll give you a new oil filter or ignition transformer, or whatever was needed.
Dale’s sons Jimmy, Dale Jr., and Matt were learning the trade. Sometimes Jimmy would be absent or late for work and Dale would say “I fired Jimmy”, but by Monday morning he would have Jimmy back on the job and go on to say "I must have fired Jimmy at least 6 times" then would shake his head and chuckle. Dale was not one to hold grudges. After Jimmy passed away Dale Jr. and Matt would go on to pursue their careers, following in Dale’s footsteps.

Everyone that knew Dale was positively affected by his humor, funny jokes, nicknames for others, and affection for children. No matter the situation Dale had the ability to lighten things up and put everyone at ease. He didn’t worry about himself and kept an upbeat positive attitude as he face health challenges. He was very happy about Kelly and Jared’s assistance during his at-home dialysis sessions. He took everything in stride, never complaining or asking, “why me?”.

Dale definitely set an example of how we should treat each other and was practitioner of “The Golden Rule”. He will truly missed by friends, family, and everyone who knew him.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 6pm at Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Ave. Susquehanna, PA.

The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home on Monday, January 13, 2025, from 4pm to 6pm.

Interment will be held in Stevens Point Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dale’s name to a charity of one’s choosing.