Dennis N. Lane

Dennis N. Lane, 78, of Dalton, passed away at home on October 2, 2025, with his family by his side. Born in North Adams, MA, on November 4,1946 to Robert D. and Nadene Foster Lane, he grew up in Williamstown and was a 1965 graduate of Mt. Greylock Regional High School. He then received a B.A. in History and a M.A. in Guidance from North Adams State College.

He met the former Kathleen G. Brophy at the McDonald's in Coltsville when he was sixteen and she was fourteen. It was a triple meeting, with three boys and three girls, and Dennis and Kathy were the only couple who stayed together–for over 60 years. They married on December 23, 1966.

Mr. Lane was a teacher for many years, first at the former Dalton Junior High School, and then at Kittredge Elementary School in Hinsdale. He was passionate about teaching and inspiring others, and many former students said that he was their favorite teacher. He was a past president of the Central Berkshire Teachers Association. He also coached Little League baseball in Dalton, and braved the elements to time Wahconah girls soccer games.

Dennis was an avid nature enthusiast and loved camping. Some of his favorite camping destinations were Vermont, Maine, Yellowstone Park, and the redwood forests in California. In his younger days, he set out on these excursions with an old Army tent with no floor, hiking sometimes for miles to find the perfect spot. In his later days he toured around in a luxury RV, travelling the country to beautiful campgrounds in national parks.

He also enjoyed taking family trips to Disney World with his granddaughters.

He lived with Kathy in the same house in Dalton for almost forty years, transforming it into their dream house, and doing much of the work himself. He also loved to tend to his garden and observe the wildlife that traipsed through his backyard.

He was an ardent fan of the Celtics–even in the lean years for the team.

He appreciated his friendships, and stayed in touch with many of his teaching colleagues; they met regularly to break bread for years.

His silly sense of humor and infectious laugh will be missed. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a love for old Warner Brothers cartoons, Abbot and Costello, The Marx Brothers, Monty Python, and wonderfully corny Dad and knock-knock jokes.

His integrity, commitment to a job well done, desire to keep learning and teaching, and compassion for others will be remembered by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Lane of Dalton; daughter, Christina A. Lane of Adams; son, Michael E. Lane and wife Diahann Reyes-Lane of Sandia Park, NM; Two granddaughters, Emily R. Sands of Chicago, IL, and Olivia M. Sands of Fremont, CA; and also his brother, Richard K. Lane and wife Debra of Shelburne Falls, MA. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Lane.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Dery-Foley Funeral Home in Dalton from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow at 12 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his name to HospiceCare in the Berkshires, or the National Parks Conservation Association, in care of Dery-Foley Funeral Home, 890 East Main St, Dalton, MA 01226.De