Dale Leon Cushman

AUGUSTA-- Dale Leon Cushman, 73, of Augusta, Maine, passed away peacefully after a brave battle with cancer on November 16, 2025. Surrounded by family and friends, he knew he was loved until the very end. Dale was one of one, a unique and special man who left his mark on anyone and everyone he encountered.

Born on August 5, 1952, in Lewiston, Maine, Dale grew up in the development phase of the Mayfair neighborhood in Augusta. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 14, a disease that is limiting, yet he refused to let it define him. After being voted as "Most Athletic" of his 1970 class at Cony High School, Dale attended the University of Maine at Orono, playing baseball his freshman year. He went on to earn a business degree in 1974. While in Orono, he was a prolific participant in intramural and recreational sports, including representing the University of Maine at the ping pong national championships in consecutive seasons. It was also in college where he excelled socially, something he carried with him for the rest of his life.

After paying for college by picking chickens for Lipman Poultry, Dale started his career at Noyes Tire in Augusta, Maine. While there were several different owners and names (Noyes Tire, Goodyear Tire, Haley Tire, Sullivan Tire), he managed the store for over 40 years, building and maintaining relationships with the Central Maine community in a most endearing way. Dale also left an indelible mark on his employees, several of whom were lifelong friends and remained in touch until his passing.

Dale was a man who embraced life with enthusiasm and humor. Known affectionately as "Quill," "The Zoidman," or "The Alley Cat," he was truly a character-always ready with a joke or barb and often the life of any gathering. His penchant for good natured ribbing was only matched by his athleticism and competitive spirit. Whether it was racquetball, tennis, ping pong, golf or backyard games like horseshoes, monkey ball or corn hole, Quill played with uncanny skill and passion (and often a full-on verbal assault of his opponent).

Often donning shorts, a "loud" shirt and Chuck Taylors, Dale was a fixture in Maine gymnasiums and on athletic fields for years. He played softball and volleyball for G&E Roofing, coached his two sons in baseball and later transitioned to supporting the boys' athletic pursuits through college. When his boys were done playing, he went into full Grampy mode, faithfully cheering on all six of his grandchildren as they explored their own athletic passions. He could easily recite the grandkids' statistics, marveling at their number of points, goals, hits and runs from each game.

His favorite times were the five months of the year spent at Cobbossee Lake where he was head grounds keeper, maintenance guy, entertainer, underwater anchor man, and fire chief. Later, Dale taught his six grandchildren how to truly enjoy lake life. This part cannot be overstated.

Dale is survived by his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, his wife, M. Deborah Fallon Cushman. Their 50 year marriage was marked by love and partnership. He credited Deborah's dedication and care through many medical challenges for helping to prolong his life. Dale is also survived by two sons and their wives, Josh and Renee, Jared and Nicole; six grandchildren, Colbie, Benny, Kellan, Hayley, Jack and Ellie; sister and her husband, Iris and Bob; sister-in-law and her wife, Candy and Pat; brother-in-law and his wife, Jim and Carole; sister-in-law Jenny Fallon; bonus "sister" Elizabeth Chadwick, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Irving Leon and June Bryant Cushman; in-laws, Richard and Jean Murray Fallon; brother-in-law, Dick Fallon and sister-in-law, Honey Fallon.

We cordially invite friends and family to celebrate Dale's life on November 21, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Maple Hill Farm on 11 Inn Road, Hallowell, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the American Diabetes Association or Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330.