Obituary Notice – W. Dale Waterman

Forestville: W. Dale Waterman, 82, of Hanover Road, Forestville died peacefully Saturday, October 4th, 2025 at Buffalo General Medical Center. He was born in the Town of Hanover on December 10, 1942, the son of the late Ralph Leigh and Jean (Downer) Waterman.

  Dale was a graduate of Forestville Central School, Class of 1962, received his Associate’s Degree from Bryant & Stratton College in Buffalo and was a lifelong resident of Forestville. He served in the Navy from 1967 to 1971 and was everyone’s favorite local tax preparer, and built lasting friendships with clients over fifty years. Later in life he was a beloved Bus Driver at Forestville Central School for approximately fifteen years.

  Dale was a proud member of the J. Carter Knapp American Legion Post #953, Forestville and the Hanover Masonic Lodge #152 F&AM, Forestville. He proudly served as Grand Marshall of this year’s Memorial Day Parade, where he rode with his devoted caregiver Denise Seeley. In his early years, Dale was also a member of multiple Hiking Trail Clubs.  He was an avid hiker, completing most of the Appalachian trail, often joined by his brother John. He was a devoted grandfather who was a constant fixture at sporting events, dance recitals and father gatherings. Dale will be greatly missed by his community and family.

  Survivors include his daughter Jami (John) Babcock, three sons; Benjamin Waterman, Jason (Jennifer) Waterman and Nathaniel (Deanna) Waterman, a sister Margaret “Peggy” (Donald) Youngberg, three brothers; James (Nancy) Waterman, John (Ellen) Waterman and Neil (Martha) Waterman. Also surviving are eight grandchildren; Lindsay & Jordan Ebling, Brooke, Blake, Indy, Colin, Madox & Cody Waterman, four great grandchildren; Bailey, Orion, Izzy & Ophelia and several “favorite” nieces, nephews & cousins. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his eldest brother Richard L. Waterman who died October 24, 2004 and a grandson Jared T. Babcock who died February 3, 2018.

  Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Tuesday, October 14th, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM.  A Masonic Service will conducted by members of Hanover Masonic Lodge #152 F&AM at 7:30pm. Funeral services will be private and interment will be in Smith Mills Cemetery, Town of Hanover. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Forestville Fire Department, Inc., PO Box 299, Forestville, NY 14062, who greatly supported Dale and his family during his last years of life. To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.