Donald Weber Hale

Donald Weber Hale, born February 5, 1931 in Oakfield NY, died at age 94 peacefully with family by his side at his residence in Ridgefield, CT on July 21, 2025.

He is survived by daughter Kaye Malton, sons Donald, Douglas, David, and Gregory, eleven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Lorriane (nee Carlo), mother Vivian (nee Howell), his father Laverne, his siblings Gordon, Douglas, Joann Colucci (nee Hale), Marcia Campbell (nee Hale), Norman, and Linda Kubala (nee Hale), his great-grandson Trevor Buckwalter, and his daughter-in-law Linda Hale (nee Strasser).

Donald served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1953, rising to the rank of Sergeant of Company B of the 42nd Armored Infantry Battalion and received a special commendation in May 1953 for his heroic efforts in running down, leaping aboard and gaining control over a runaway half-track in Baumholder, Germany.

Once back home in Buffalo NY, he devoted his life to his family, friends, and neighbors; always there to offer his services, from haircuts to fixing cars. He built a successful business, Don Hale Material Handling, which he operated from 1973 until his retirement at age 88.

Outside of work and his growing family, Donald was passionate about history. He was an active member of the Buffalo Civil War Roundtable, frequented historical monuments, museums, battlefields and reenactments, and was a voracious reader of all things related to American history.

After relocating to Ridgefield CT in 2021, he began a history club at his senior living residence, which had become an integral and very popular element of their programming. His character was marked by a spirit of generosity, a strong work ethic, and sincere humility. He will be greatly missed by all, whether you knew him for one day or 70 years.

There will be a celebration of remembrance on Wednesday August 20th, 2025 1:30 PM at Ridgefield Station - 55 Old Quarry Road, Ridgefield. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Donald's honor to either of the following: The Buffalo History Museum or The American Battlefield Trust.