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Obituaries
Dale A. Kuykendall
Dale A. Kuykendall, 54, passed away unexpectedly Monday, February 20, 2023. Dale was a lifelong resident of Newport News, a graduate of Ferguson High School and the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School having served at Newport News Shipbuilding for over 36 years.
Dale was an avid sports fan and loved baseball and softball having played in numerous adult leagues in Hampton Roads. He was a fan of the Las Vegas Raiders, the Oklahoma Sooners, and the Detroit Red Wings.
He participated in the Newport News Shipbuilding golf league and played on a local billiards team and recently drove across the country to attend a billiards tournament in Las Vegas. Dale’s favorite drink was Dr. Pepper and he loved rock and roll music.
Dale was a committed Christian, and family man and was affectionately known as “Paw-Paw” by his grandchildren. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for them – he even drove a baseball bat bag from Virginia to Delaware in the middle of the night so his grandson would have it for the next morning’s game. Dale especially enjoyed watching his daughters play sports growing up and more recently has enjoyed watching his grandsons play baseball and soccer. He found great joy in his children and grandchildren and loved helping friends and neighbors when they needed him.
He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, son, co-worker, and friend. Dale is survived by his two daughters Nicole Kuykendall Sullivan (Mat) and Cassie Kuykendall Strozyk (Jon) and their mother Leslie Kuykendall; parents, Farold and Holly Kuykendall; sister, Carol Kuykendall; grandsons, Michael Merendino, Kai, and Jay Sullivan; nieces, Katherine and Ashley Kelly, Rachel Charnick (Ryan); nephews, Ryan and Rodney Kuykendall; aunt, Ruth Binder (Morty); special friends, Tim and Steph Ice and Jim and Paula Lewis; as well as many other loving relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Kuykendall.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News. Please feel free to wear your favorite sports team attire. A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 27 at 11 a.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Warwick Little League, P.O. Box 6622, Newport News, VA, 23606, or electronically via Venmo to @WarwickLL.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.
5 Comments
I had the privilege of working with Dale over the last several months at NNS. Something I think we can all agree on is that he had a heart of gold. Always helpful & always thinking of others. He once bought me a pack of gum from the vending machine after he heard me say it took my money. A small example of what a true gem he was. Our trailer & team won’t be the same without him. I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to his family. I hope you all know that photos of his daughters and grandkids cover his desk ♥️
This is Walt and Wendy Jenkins – We’re the ones Dale traveled cross-country with, along with our son, Nicholas. Dale played on Walt’s billiard team, at Peninsula Billiards. We are so sorry to hear of his passing and have replayed the memories of Dale from that trip, over and over, since hearing the devastating news. We will forever cherish those moments. I’m so glad that he was able to have that experience, to see and do things he’d never done, especially his trip to the Raiders stadium, before leaving. Our hearts and prayers are with his family.
Such a great guy gone way too soon. Ran into him at Angelo’s a few months back. So glad I had a chance to catch up a bit.
RIP, dear friend.
My shipyard Dad, one of my best friends looked out for me all the time I’m gonna miss ya bud this one definitely hurts save me a spot up there buddy RIP my friend!
I had the honor and privilege or working with Dale in 2021, only for four months. The day I started he picked me up from orientation and took me to the yard to get my protective equipment. He was my mentor and treated me like gold. Because of him, I learned a lot about my job at a fast pace and was able to work on my own quickly. However, we sat literally beside each other and no matter how busy he was, he always had time to help me out when I had a question. He was not just a mentor but became a great friend and we stayed in touch after I left. When I told him I was leaving HII he continued to teach me new tips and tricks during my last two weeks, “just in case you come back.” I´m a better person for having known Dale and will succeed professionally for having him as my first career mentor. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues, and friends. As he would end it, be safe.