Davidson, Dale O., 85, died at Belleair East Health Care Center under the loving care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Born and raised in Evanston, IL on Feb. 7, 1922, he attended the University of Illinois. His education was interrupted when he joined the Air Force in 1943. He served in Europe as a lead bombardier for the 449th Bomb Group, stationed in Italy. His plane was shot down on its 13th mission on Friday the 13th of October. The crew parachuted out and were saved by the Partisans of Yugoslavia and returned to their base in Italy from which they finished their 51 missions. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the European Ribbon with three stars. He finished 16 years in the Air Force Reserves and retired with the rank of Major. After the war he returned to school and graduated from Northwestern University in 1948 with a degree in Business Economics. He had a lon career in sales, representing Container Corp. of America and Continental Can in Milwaukee at the breweries. He moved from Thiensville, WI to Belleair in 1972, where he represented H.P. Hood in the Orange Juice Division and retired from Schreiber Foods as Southeast Sales Manager. He was an avid tennis player and had been a member of the Suncoast Brewers Luncheon Club. He was a diehard football fan, both collegiate and NFL, supporting the Bucs and Packers. He was a member of the 449th Bomb Group Association and the American Legion Turner Post #7, Clearwater. He was also a member of the Northwestern Alumni Association and Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. He was a Christian and a Member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Largo. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Rani; his two sons, Dale "Todd" of Clearwater and "Kendall" Scott of Seminole; two stepchildren, Rani Denise Ulrich of Kailua Kona, HI and Michael Kohl Ulrich of Carefree, AZ; and three grandchildren. He will be cremated and buried in the family plot in Wheaton, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions are made to Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater 33760.
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Dale Davidson
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Dale was a person that I cared for a great deal. We worked closely together for 13 years and have remained friends. I was saddened by the obit in the paper but know he will e cared for by a greater power.
I always had a fond memory of Dale Davidson. As a former President of H.P.Hood’s Orange Juice Division, I recall Dale as a very highly valued member of the sales team. He was also reconized for his talents and contributions throughout the entire Hood Company. Additionally, his customers often related how Dale represented both himself and his company in a very professional manner and as a true gentleman. I will always remember Dale as one of the most effective and pleasurable people with whom I was ever associated.
I offer my prayers and condolences to Rani, his children, and the family
Fondly, David F. Bowen
Although I have not seen Mr. or Mrs. Davidson in many years I fondly remember both of them as an adolescent and later when I roomed with their son Todd in college. Mr. Davidson had a remarkable sense of humor and a gentle kindness that one just does not forget. He was a man of distinction and a role model to many.
My heartfelt sympathies to Mrs. Davidson, Scott, Todd, Denise and Mike.
A great father who cared deeply for his loving wife and children. God rest his soul.
Dale Davidson–For the last 20 years, my ever faithful friend, tennis partner and walking partner. The kind man who volunteered hundreds of hours in my First Grade classroom and touched the lives of hundreds of children. Thank you, Sport, for everything. Remember I told you just as you were leaving our world, that part of Ray and I would come with you. I miss you, Sport. Thank you Dear Rani, Denise, Mike, Todd, and Scott for sharing him with so many of us. I love you all.
Janet Terepka Largo, FL