Dale Henry Mathews
Dale Henry Mathews, of Hambden Township, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Mapleview Country Villa nursing home in Chardon.
Born on June 10, 1941, at St. Ann’s Hospital, Cleveland, Dale was the only child of Henry Stanley and Jean (nee Dippel) Mathews.
From an early age, Dale learned from his father, Henry, how to use tools to repair and construct things.
Dale ran track and played football at Warrensville High School, where he graduated in June of 1959. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio University. He subsequently moved to Traverse City, Mich., where he was married to Lynn Westerberg and had two daughters, Alysia and Beth.
In Traverse City, Dale was a science teacher and head varsity football and track coach for 15 years. He also managed a regional track meet for the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
After moving back to Ohio, from 1981-2007, Dale was the purchasing agent of Weldon Tool Company. He last promotion was as president of Weldon Pump Company.
After retirement, Dale worked several part-time jobs transporting Amish people and performing maintenance at Punderson State Park.
Dale had a wide range of talents and interests:
- General contractor of his home in Hambden, including installation of plumbing and electrical lines.
- Member of a train club that met monthly at members’ homes to run trains in their layouts and to talk trains.
- Driver of #88 midget car at fairgrounds as a member of a midget car club.
- Hunter of small game and collector of guns.
- Possessor of a pilot’s license and pilot of small private planes for the fun of it.
- Collector of model planes, boats and cars.
Dale will be missed by his circle of family, friends and acquaintances, but especially his family.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and her son Jim (Jodi) Moll, grandchildren Alexandria, Matthew and Michael; her son Brent (Heather) Moll, grandchildren Nathaniel, Cora and Brady; her daughter, Rebecca Robich, grandchildren McIntyre and Alexander. Dale’s cousin, Pat Cermak, was like a sister to him.
From Dale’s first marriage, Dale is survived by his daughter Alysia (Don) Broadfield, grandchildren Josh, Nate and Gwyneth; and daughter Beth (James) Bradshaw.
A gathering for friends and family will be held April 3, 2025, from 6-8 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.The obituary was lovingly written by his wife, Elizabeth.
