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Dale Wise Obituary
March 16, 1941 - August 26, 2024
Dale Edwin Wise, 83, beloved musician, friend, husband, and father, passed away peacefully Monday, August 26, 2024, leaving a legacy of music and joy. Known for his exceptional talent and passion for the accordion, Dale brought smiles to countless faces with his performances. His music was a source of comfort and happiness, resonating with audiences of all ages.
Dale's journey with the accordion began at at the age of 11 under the tutelage of Carlos Santucci, and he quickly became a master of the instrument. He continued his musical education, earning bachelor's and master's degrees in music education at Bradley University. His dedication to his craft was evident in every note he played.
Beyond his musical talents, Dale was kind and generous, always willing to lend a helping hand and share his knowledge with aspiring musicians. As a public school music educator, private tutor, and founder of Accordions for Kids USA, an initiative aimed at introducing young people to the joys of playing the accordion, Dale's passion for music and dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians made a significant difference. Dale founded and led Accordion Plus, LLC, a company that provides sales of high-quality accordions and products, teaching, service, and repair. His leadership and expertise earned him a respected place in the accordion industry.
Dale is survived by his wife of over 31 years, DeAnn; sisters, Marilyn Mason, Dianne Heard, Marilee Wise Ochoa, and Allee Wise Wright; children, Todd (Amy), Robin Tomlin (Gene), Brad (Maggie); grandchildren, Brittany Calvert (George), Gavin Tomlin, Bryce Wise, Kirsten Haight (Ford), Lindsay Wise, Maggie Wise, and Aurora Wise; great-grandchildren, Naomi Evans and Georgie Calvert; nieces and nephews; as well as a wide circle of friends and fans who will miss him dearly. He was predeceased by his brother Andrew Merle Wise. His music will continue to live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of hearing him play.
A memorial service to celebrate Dale's life will be scheduled at a later date with details to be shared as they are confirmed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Accordion Renaissance (https://accordren.org/donate/) which promotes the accordion through performances, education and training, and of which Accordion for Kids USA is a key component, or a music education charity of your choice, in honor of Dale's lifelong dedication to the art of music.
Memories and Condolences
for Dale Wise
Bob Allen
July 18, 2025
Dale was my music teacher for 4 years in the 1980s. We had a great time together, lessons and annual band performances. I still have the accordion I got from him, plus a lot of music and personal notes. I can never thank him enough for enriching my life.
Kim Cunningham
June 1, 2025
I´ve just found out about Dales passing. He was a client of mine for years , keeping those curls of his under control. He was truly a gentleman with a big and smile every time he came in. My heart goes out to his family , I know his presence is missed. The Lord now has more beautiful music to listen to in heaven, Dale always had a joyful glow when he spoke of his family and his accordion. The pleasure of knowing him has been mine.
In living memory,
Kim Cunningham
John G Laffman
March 22, 2025
We were deeply saddened to hear of Dale's passing, a man with a most beautiful spirit, a sharing and giving heart, a life lived well, of incredible talents and a soul richly imbedded with kindness, generosity of spirit, and a smile to brigthen the most somber day,
We were indeed privileged and honored to have met him and his loving wife at their most welcoming homestead several times for musical pressentations and at the accordion concerts in Fairmont. The night before the concerts on several occasions we were so blessed to have attended the performers' jam sessions. The expressions of joy and comaraderie were truly awe inspiring and uplifting.
His musical talents were boundless and the level of joy he brought to this world can never be measured.
This so very gifted and equally humble human restored my 1950s accordian to perfection. I am so very grateful.
God blessed us with a truly unique individual. Our loss is Heaven's gain. We will ever treasure our memories of him and how richly he blessed us by his wonderful presence and his extraordinary musical gifts.
May God bestow His peace and comfort to Dale's most loving wife and soulmate DeAnn, equally a most beautiful human being.
John and Grace Laffman
Joan Grauman
March 10, 2025
Dear Dale,
Every March 16 since 1986, I wished you a very Happy Birthday. When we were all in your band, I brought you a birthday cake each year. This year will be different.... but I will always remember you when March 16 arrives, my dear friend! And again: thanks for everything.
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Larry Orton
December 10, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I am so sorry that Dale has left you all!! I enjoyed being with him and I will miss him as well!
Rick Ward
December 8, 2024
Dale was my best friend for more than thirty years. He brought the accordion back into my life after way too long. He became my teacher and mentor,and our favorite time together was when we would while away a day arranging music together. I will miss you, my friend; I guess the good Lord needed a good box player in Heaven.
Richard
October 28, 2024
I took private accordion lessons with Dale back when I was in middle school. My dad (recently passed about a week ago) loved the accordion and admired/respected Dale. We would drive all the way out to his little studio and I would fumble my way through the lessons. I still remember he taught me the lesson to "think and visualize the keys 10 times so that I can play it perfectly 1 time." Not sure why they stuck but that mantra has gotten me through many challenges. My dad was a refugee from Vietnam and had a little book of music scores he copied down. Dale would help teach me a few songs and it brought so much joy to my dad. Now these are fond memories I will forever cherish. My sincere condolences.
Gregory Spann
October 23, 2024
Dale was a true mentor, teacher and friend. He gave me the gift of music and love of the accordion.
He often used metaphors when comparing music to life experiences when teaching me. I did not always understand at the time but somehow it would make sense later. Dale was always jovial and generous. He will be missed by many.
Greg Spann
Gary Carper
October 18, 2024
Dale shared his talent and I was enriched with his generosity.
Rev. John Peter Giunta, MA
October 13, 2024
Dale, you have left a wide path for us to follow. Thank you for everything you have done for Music Education, and especially for the accordion.
Naomi Wise
October 12, 2024
Dale (my grandpa) was a really good guy he was known for the accordion and has a really good heart we all miss him rip
Leone Monticone
October 8, 2024
I met Dale in 1983 for the purpose of fixing an old accordion. He encouraged me to take private lessons, which I did. My son and daughter also took accordion lessons from him. My daughter and I played in the accordionplus orchestra for several years. I learned so much from him about accordion playing. Dale was such a positive individual with a great outlook. My condolences to his family. I will miss him greatly. I was and am still so sad to hear the news of his passing.
Rev. John Peter Giunta
September 29, 2024
--Dale was generous with his time, very knowledgeable, and knew how to be a friend. I will miss him.
Natalie Ritter (niece)
September 28, 2024
I am sorry I did not know that he passed away till just recently. I was about 10 the last time I saw him I remember he was really nice he let me sit on his lap on a trip about an hour or so when he finally got out his legs were numb but he didn't mind.
Allee Wise Wright
September 21, 2024
Greatly loved and saddened by the loss of our brother Dale. Marilee Wise Ochoa- sister, Andrew Merle Wise- brother, and Allee Wise Wright- sister.
Brenda Stewart-Khan
September 18, 2024
My condolences to the family. I have fond memories of Dale as a kid, and young adult, he was my mother´s cousin, Joyce ( Todd) Stewart. I will always remember the him playing his accordion.
Rest in peace.
Gerald Castelli
September 13, 2024
So sorry to hear of the passing of my old friend and fellow accordionist. Dale, I wish you could have taken my old accordion with you. I know how much you enjoyed it. Rest in peace.
Robert Jacobs
September 12, 2024
I have many fond memories of sharing friendship and accordion with Dale.
Leslie Mason
September 11, 2024
We will surely miss you, Dale, and send all our love along with you as you go... so very thankful to have had you in our lives while you were here.
Marilyn Mason
September 10, 2024
My dear Brother - you always brightened my life with your happy smile, a song in your heart, and love! Happy memories!
Your musical talents and deep love of sharing your music with young and old alike, brought immeasurable joy to those whose lives you touched.
You are missed terribly - your love and music ring on - until we meet again! Love you! Marilyn Mason
Robin Tomlin
September 10, 2024
A service to remember and celebrate Dale's life will be held on Saturday October 26, 2024 at 3:00pm at Salem United Methodist Church - 28123 Constitution Hwy, Rhoadesville, VA 22542.
Robin Tomlin
September 10, 2024
A wonderful picture of Dad and his sisters
Dianne H Heard
September 9, 2024
Best Brother Ever - always with a smile on his face and love in his heart for family, friends, the music he shared and for the many people whose lives he touched. I can still hear him singing "Smile for Me My Dianne." Love you and miss you dear Brother.
Sending angels to surround and comfort the whole family during this time of loss and healing. Love you All
Dianne Heard
Anne Johnson
September 9, 2024
Dale was a fantastic music teacher and a warm, wonderful human being. He brought joy to so many people through his love of music and the accordion. My sincere condolences to the family.
Joan Grauman Morse
September 8, 2024
I met Dale almost 40 years ago and we remained close friends from that moment on. Dale encouraged me to teach accordion, to write arrangements, to conduct, to play in his band, to create accordion art and the list goes on.
Dale was a terrific entertainer, and his intense love for the accordion spilled over onto so many of us.
I will miss him so much - he was such a blessing in my life.
Jackie Cook and Martha Stuart
September 8, 2024
We met Dale at the Texas Accordion convention in Fort Worth, Texas in 1996. We became friends with him and DeAnn and enjoyed many great times together at accordion conventions, and their gracious hospitality when we visited their home in Burr Hill, VA on a cross country train trip from Oklahoma City. Dale became a mentor of the accordion to me after my teacher passed away, and was also my inspiration to learn the harp. He shared huge collections of music that we were able to use for our many years of music performances. He and DeAnn will always be special to us.
Joyce E. Palmer
September 8, 2024
My first, best and only accordion teacher. What joy he brought to my life.
Best wishes to the family.
Shirley Fishback
September 7, 2024
I have only met Mr. Wise once when he repaired my accordion for me. I went to the house to pick up my accordion and he showed me his collection of accordions. He also asked me to play with him. We played and sang gospel songs. I enjoyed it so much. He will definitely be missed as a go-to for all things accordion. Prayers for the family.
Stacie Keenan
September 6, 2024
Dale was always a kind gentleman and very generous with his musical knowledge. He was one of the few people to repair accordions. I enjoyed his teaching and his friendship. He will be sorely missed.
DMarie Fekete
September 6, 2024
Dale was existentially a minister of music. His performances, instruction, humor, anecdotes, and open-hearted welcomes to everyone he met were accompanied by his musical knowledge and skill as expressions of joy and love.
kathy herndon padgett
September 6, 2024
We remember Dale's contagious smile & his beautiful music! He played his accordion for my Mom & Dad's 60th wedding anniversary & the times he played at church were wonderful! My parents went to church with him & DeAnn for years and loved them both very much. Dale was a blessing to all of us who knew him! God Bless you & your family in this time of sorrow. Kathy & Barry Padgett
Jeff Padgett
September 6, 2024
Dale wise was a great person, he was talented, helpful, nice, and many other good characteristics.
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