Michael Tucker Dalton

ANDOVER — Michael Tucker Dalton, 33, of Andover, died Wednesday, March 24, 2010 in Andover.

Michael was born in Lawrence on May 17, 1976 to Robert M. and Charlene T. (Tucker) Dalton.

He attended Andover grammar schools and graduated Andover High School in 1995. He continued his education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst receiving a bachelor's degree in Sociology, after which he earned his master's degree in Criminal Justice.

Michael was a U.S. veteran, having served in the U.S. Marines and rose to the rank of Sergeant.

He was a member of the Andover Firemen's Relief Association and the Andover Firefighters Local Union 1658 and served as chairmen of the Andover Fire Fighter's Anual Christmas Parade.

Mike lived a selfless life, always putting the needs of family, friends, and neighbors before his own. He especially devoted the last 10 years to providing for the health and happiness of his wife Stephanie, the true love of his life. For his two sons, Mike modeled the virtues of honesty, integrity, humility, and kindness. His main wish for them was that they would grow to "do what they love, and love what they do." Michael was a true family man.

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie (Hart) Dalton of Andover and his two sons, James Michael Dalton and John Tucker Dalton of Andover. Also among his survivors are his parents, Robert M. and Charlene T.(Tucker) Dalton of Andover as well as his brother, Robert M. Dalton Jr. and his wife Michelle of Andover and his sister, Michelle Dalton Valle and her husband Paul of Grafton, N.H. Michael is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Katrina Hart of Waltham and Shannon Hart of Mashpee; four nieces and one nephew, Ava and Bella Valle and Jake, Alison and Abrielle Dalton.

ARRANGEMENTS: A funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday at noon at St. Michael's Church in North Andover. Committal services will be private at a later date. Family and friends may call on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Conte Funeral Home, 28 Florence St., Andover. Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers, to the James Michael and John Tucker Dalton Scholarship Fund c/o Andover Federal Credit Union, 19 Lupine Road, Andover, MA 01810.

This obituary was originally published in the Eagle-Tribune.