Dale "Dusty" G. Smith

Dale "Dusty" G. Smith, 87, of Dolgeville, New York passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 in Utica, New York.

He was born on July 16, 1933 in Little Falls, New York and was the son of the late, Glenn and Dorothy (Cramer) Smith.  Dale was educated at Dolgeville Central School and graduated with the Class of 1951.

On December 1, 1952, Dale enlisted in the United States Air Force and was initially stationed at Mitchel Air Force Base on Long Island, New York.  While serving his country, Dale was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.  He was honorably discharged on November 30, 1956 from Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas after four years.

After his service with the military, Dale continued to work as a civilian at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York where he was employed as a cryptographic installer.  He worked for the company for more than 30 years, retiring in 1988.

Dale was united in marriage to the former, Phyllis I. Burris on July 3, 1971 in Stratford, New York.  The couple were married for 36 years until Phyllis passed away on March 16, 2008.

He was a long time member of the Dolgeville Masonic Temple, Lodge #796, a 2015 inductee of the Dolgeville Football Hall of Fame and a former member of the Mohawk Valley Wood Turners. Dusty loved football especially the New York Giants and the Dolgeville Football Team. He also enjoyed camping in the Adirondacks especially the family camp on Canada Lake.  A loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, Dusty will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Jennifer Smith McGowan of Dolgeville, New York; a son in law, Mark McGowan of Dolgeville, New York; his two cherished grandchildren, Adrianna McGowan and Mark McGowan, Jr.; sisters in law, Joyce Ploss and her husband, Richard of Oppenheim and Patricia Young of Stratford, New York; a life-long best friend, Nicholas M. Miller, Jr. of Dolgeville, New York; several cousins and nieces and nephews.

Dale was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis Smith and a brother in law, Walter Young.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 31, 2020 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329.  A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Dolgeville Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his wife and members of the United States Air Force Honor Guard will accord funeral honors. Please wear a mask and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

To leave a message of sympathy for the family of Dale G. Smith, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the guest book.

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