Dale Thomas Radka

Dale Radka, age 89, of Batavia, New York, passed away on July 19, 2025. Dale, also known as Grandfather, Pops and Dad, was born to parents August and Mildred (Fleischman) Radka on December 14, 1935, in Buffalo, New York. Dale spent his early years growing up in the iconic Fruit Belt with his brothers Roger and Bruce. In 1953, Dale’s mother Mildred married Robert B. Rumschik. The family moved to Claremont Ave. in the Town of Tonawanda and through the years, Dale acquired four half brothers and sisters, Bobby, John, Cris and Kathy. Dale was known as the “engine” of the family and Kathy the “caboose”.

Dale joined the United States Air Force serving in the Korean War from 1953 to 1957, when he was honorably discharged. Prior to his discharge from the Air Force, Dale met and married Paula Shaw in Bangor, Maine where he was stationed. After Dale was discharged, he and his wife moved back to the Buffalo area and started a family. Shortly after returning to Buffalo, the family, including children Susan, Dale, and Gary, moved to Batavia where Dale began his work with Trojan Industries. He held many different positions throughout his long career with Trojan including draftsman, salesman and his favorite, mechanical engineer. During this time, three more children were added to the Radka clan, Theresa, Sean and Colleen.

Dale was known by family and friends for his keen sense of humor, artwork and his love of sending letters and cartoons. He loved golfing, experimenting with cooking much to the dismay of his family, spending time at the family cottage on Silver Lake, and having coffee with good friends where most (if not all) of the world’s problems were solved. Up until the time of his passing, Dale was a consummate student of the world and always interested in carrying on spirited and thought-provoking conversations.

Dale was predeceased by his parents, stepfather and brother Roger. Survivors include his children Susan (Sharon Webber), Dale (Patricia), Gary (Mala), Theresa (James) Lane, Sean (Therese) and Colleen (Daniel) Barnhart, his grandchildren Zachary and Sadie Radka, Jordan Lane and Dustin, Jacob, Casey and Emma Radka, his siblings Bruce (Kathleen) Radka, Robert (Patricia) Rumschik, John (Barbara) Rumschik, Christine (Donald) Willert and Kathleen (David) Doyle and his longtime partner Judith Hale.

The family wishes to acknowledge all of Dale’s outstanding caregivers at the NYS Veterans Home.

A celebration of Dale’s life will take place on Friday August 1, 2025, at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. The family will be present from 10:00-11:30 am prior to a service in honor of Dale. In keeping with Dale’s colorful personality, the family invites attendees to wear something vibrant. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Activities Fund at the NYS Veterans Home, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia NY 14020. A private burial ceremony will be held at the Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke at a later date.