Dale Charpentier
Dale John Charpentier, 87, passed away December 28, 2020. Born in Providence Rhode Island, Dale was a young boy when his parents built a trailer and sold their home to find a new life. The family traveled across 38 states eventually settling in Miami.
As a child Dale joined the Civil Air Patrol taking flying lessons. He eventually earned his student pilot license with the help of his mother lying about his age so her son could chase his dream. Dale graduated from The University of Florida with an engineering degree. Gator football, and football in general was a huge passion of Dale’s.
After college, Dale graduated from the Navy’s Officer Candidate School. Unfortunately, his vision prevented him from becoming a Naval Aviator. Dale went to work for Southern Bell in Pensacola where he met his first wife, Sue. They settled down in Neptune Beach raising their three children and Dale flying his Piper Cub at Craig Airfield.
After retirement from BellSouth, he served on the Neptune Beach City Council, and built airplanes from his garage donating one to the Experimental Aviation Association.
Dale made his way to California to help a friend. While in California Dale met and married Florence Michel. They traveled the world cruising to Europe, and through the Panama Canal. They sailed the Grenadine Islands and took an unforgettable thirteen-day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. In 2007 Dale was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Dale set aside flying gliders in Santa Ynez and turned his energy into his wood-working, creating gifts for friends and family. He also was an active member of The Graduates, The Unitarian Society, and the Elks while in Santa Barbara.
Dale’s courage in coping with PD and living life to the fullest was truly remarkable. Eventually Dale made his way back to Neptune Beach where his son and daughter in-law cared for him in his final year. Dale is survived by his wife, Florence Michel, two daughters, Michele Lafleur and Amy Wierengo (Jerry), his son Keith Charpentier (Susan), and two grandchildren; Jack and Hannah. A memorial will be held for friends and family at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family ask donations please be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.