Dick grew up in Belmont, attended the Belmont Central School and for a short time hauled chemical wood for G.L. Green in Friendship. He then went to Red Creek, NY where he drove truck for DeCarlos Co. for several years. From 1959 to 1962 Dick served with the Army in Alaska and upon his return to civilian life he drove a portable feed grinder for the GLF in Fillmore. For a few years, he drove truck at the Arcade Ready Mix Co. In 1969 he started his own business called Hale Produce Co., later becoming D&J Hale & Son Trucking in Friendship which he ran until the present time.

He enjoyed stock car racing, camping, farming, traveling and watching wrestling and the Buffalo Bills on TV. Most of all he loved his family and being with them.

He was a member of the Friendship American Legion, Post # 1168, member of the NRA and the Independent Owner Operator Drivers Association.

Surviving in addition to his wife Joan are a son, Rick J. Hale of Friendship; a daughter, Debra (Daniel) McRae of Cohocton; three granddaughters, Nicki, Stacy and Johanna; and two great grandsons, Kyle and Jayden; a sister, Virginia (Alfred) Baham of Angelica; and several nieces and nephews.

Dick was predeceased by two brothers, Robert Hale and Harry (Bud) Hale Jr.; and two 2 sisters, Bernice Green and Thelma Gowdy.

Friends may call at the Treusdell Funeral Home, Friendship 2-4 and 7-9 pm Wednesday November 5, 2014 where funeral services will be held Thursday November 6, 2014 at 1:00 pm. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Friendship. Memorials may be made to the Friendship American Legion Post # 1168 Depot St. Friendship, NY 14739. Condolences may be made to the family by clicking on thebutton below.