Dale F. Wittmann

Dale F. Wittmann, 73, of MORAVIA, NY passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Veterans Hospital in Syracuse after a fourteen-year battle with cancer.

Dale was born in Buffalo, NY, to the late Bernard and Mildred Willett Wittmann.

Dale proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1968-1971. “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” was how he lived his life. Upon discharge from the Marines, Dale returned to the Buffalo area with his family where he met and married Kathleen Sherwood.

His love of the Moravia area from his high school years brought him back to this little town where he worked and eventually married Teresa Sharpsteen. He did roofing, drove tractor trailer and then started his own business “Dale Wittmann Construction”. Only recently retiring due to his illness!

Dale is survived by his wife, Teresa Wittmann; his daughters, Melanie (Denny) DaBolt and Marissa Wittmann; his granddaughter, Jessica Grotke; and his siblings, Marie Aquilina, David, Edward (Cynthia) and Elizabeth Dodge (Roger) along with many very special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dale was predeceased by brothers, Robert, Aloysius and Lawrence.

Dale was a caring husband, father, grandfather and dear friend and mentor to many. He “adopted” many friends as family and helped them along life’s pathway. Many believe he was the one who was “adopted”! His reply when asked “how are you” was always “TOP OF THE WORLD” and now, he is!

For those wishing to make a donation in Dale’s honor, we have chosen the SPCA of Tompkins County (Marissa’s Employer), 1640 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, not only to honor him but also his constant companion, “Rosie”, who again walks beside him.

A special thank you to Joanne Dabulewicz for her never-ending care in guiding Dale through the VA process, transporting him there when he was unable to drive himself and especially helping during his last days. Thanks also goes to his friends and family who helped with leaky roofs, drove him to the VA, brought him goodies or just stopped to see if he needed anything. Your kindness was greatly appreciated and will always be remembered.

A “Celebration of Life” is being held Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Moravia VFW Post 7127.

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