The family of Dale Grant Clair is grieving the loss of their beloved father, grandfather Poppy, cousin, friend, neighbor, Master Gardener and fishing enthusiast. Dale succumbed to his struggle with cancer on November 15, 2025, in Strong Memorial Hospital. His death was very sudden but many of his family members were able to gather around him just hours before he left this world. He was only 79 years old, just ten days shy of his 80th birthday when he passed through the veil into the eternities.

Dale was born on November 25, 1945, in Rochester, New York, to William Earl Clair and Lucille Kathleen Trimby Clair. He attended Nazareth Academy during his younger school years, went to Aquinas High School for three years, then graduated from East High in Rochester in 1963. Dale went on to Gannon College in Erie, Pennsylvania, then transferred to SUNY at Geneseo where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. Years later he also attended SUNY at Brockport to earn a few credits towards his master's degree. He first met his future wife when they both served as VISTA Volunteers in the Southern Tier at Project REACH in Perkinsville, New York. He married Susanne Margaret DeGrace in April of 1973 in Gardner, Massachusetts, and they eventually had three beautiful children. In death, he leaves behind his children, a grandchild, many cousins, his extended family through his former wife Susanne, wonderful friends, and favorite neighbors and fishing buddies. Dale was pre-deceased by his devoted mother, Lucille Kathleen Trimby Clair, who passed away in April 2007 in St. Petersburg, Florida. His father died in October 1976 in Minnesota.

Growing up, Dale was very close to his aunts, uncles and cousins, most of whom resided in and around the greater Rochester area. His three children, Joshua Lorenzo of Batavia, Sarah Johanna of Australia, and Ryan Patrick of Attica were his pride and joy. More recently, he fell in love again with his only grandchild, Mackenzie Margaret Coles (age 2 ½ years), who currently lives in Adelaide, Australia, with her parents, Sarah and Rowan. Family meant everything to Dale and he considered his three children his greatest achievements in life. They were his top priority, and he was always trying to help, guide, and care for them.

Because he grew up in a single parent home, Dale knew firsthand how difficult life could be at times. His heart was simply huge! Anytime he saw someone hurting, he tried his best to help in any way possible. He was easy to smile with his slow mischievous grin, always ready to laugh when something warranted a joyful and uninhibited response, and he cultivated a quick wit that delighted his family and good friends. Dale was happiest when he was in the company of his cherished family and dear friends. He reveled in his Celtic roots and thoroughly enjoyed anything Irish – the people, music, food, beer, dancing – whatever reminded him of where his Clair family originated. Although he never visited Ireland, he loved that country and its people and enjoyed reading about anything Irish. On the other side of the musical spectrum, Dale also enjoyed listening to traditional classical music.

Dale's first professional job was as an employment specialist for the Singer-Graflex Company in Rochester. He then quickly transferred over to become a field parole Officer for the State of New York. He also became a Master Gardener for Monroe County during his decades of working as a career Parole Officer. Upon his retirement, and due to several moves, he eventually became a Master Gardener for Wyoming County when he was living in Attica, New York. He totally enjoyed growing everything – herbs, flowers, vegetables, fruit trees and berry bushes. His green thumb was probably a gift given through his Irish roots! His other favorite pastimes were fishing (especially fly fishing with his own hand-tied flies) and cooking meals from scratch. Dale spent many hours with his children at the water's edge trying to catch the big ones. Some of his happiest memories were of those days when his children were young and followed him everywhere with their fishing poles. In the kitchen, he developed his culinary talents over the years, using herbs and spices resulting in tasty meals for his family and friends. This was just another way for him to show his love for others because he thoroughly enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen.

To say he will be missed is a huge understatement! Our hearts are broken, and we will do our very best to honor his memory so his legacy of love, humor, and compassion will be remembered always.

To share a memory or express condolences online please visit www.fullerfh.com