Dale A. Walley

Dale A. Walley, age 79, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Born in Beaver Falls, PA, on September 7, 1945, Dale was the son of the late Rupert A. and Alfarata (McEhatten) Walley. He built a long and respected career in aviation, beginning at Atlantic Aviation and continuing through Summit Aviation, Red Eagle, and most recently, Velocity Maintenance Solutions, where his dedication and professionalism left a lasting legacy. In January 2020, Dale was honored with the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, recognizing 50 years of exemplary aviation maintenance experience, distinguished professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to aviation safety. Dale would have celebrated 60 years of marriage to the love of his life, Eileen (Floyd) Walley in May. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to their family. Dale’s family was his greatest joy. He treated his loved ones like royalty- generous with his time and love. He never missed a single one of his daughters’ or granddaughter’s activities or games, always showing up full of pride and with a smile. His daughters Michele and Diane Lee, and granddaughter, Madison, were the light of his life, and this past year, he found immense happiness in welcoming his first great-grandson, Austin. He and Eileen were even honored as Delaware’s Grandparents of the Year—a reflection of the deep love and dedication he brought to every role he played in life. Dale made friends everywhere he went, known for his quick wit, easy conversation, and sincere kindness. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Diane Lee Walley, and his sister, Cynthia Mercer. He is survived by his devoted wife, Eileen (Floyd) Walley; his daughter, Michele W. Tucker and her husband Shawn of Wilmington; his granddaughter, Madison Onesi and her husband Alex; and his great-grandson, Austin; his brothers, Dr. Bruce Walley and his wife Liz of Winston-Salem, NC, G. Thomas Walley and his wife Gail of Gastonia, NC, sister in-law Susan R. Walley and several nieces and nephews. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12 pm. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dale’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here.

Dale A. Walley

September 7, 1945 - April 20, 2025