Melvin Dale Hatch

Mr. M. Dale Hatch, age 83, well known resident of New Albany, PA, passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Dale was born on September 2, 1942, at home on the family farm on Hatch Hill in New Albany, PA, a son of the late Ivan LaRue and Amelia Grace “Tillie” Keeney Hatch. Dale graduated from Wyalusing Valley High School, a member of the class of 1961.

Dale started working as a furnace technician for the Browning Oil Company and Martin Oil Company and then went to work for Welles Mill Company, before starting his own business, Hatch Home Heating. He was self-employed for many years before retiring. Although, he never fully retired, as he was still cleaning furnaces just a month ago.

Dale was a lifelong resident of New Albany, and throughout his whole life, he served his beloved hometown in any way he could. He served on the New Albany Borough Emergency Management Committee. He also attended the New Albany Methodist Church.

Dale joined the New Albany Volunteer Fire Department when he was 15 years old and has been serving his community and fire department as a selfless volunteer ever since. In 2023, he celebrated 65 years of service to the Fire Department. He really hoped he could make it to 70 years of service. He was currently serving as President of the Fire Department. Over his many years of service, he held the ranks of just about every office the Fire Department had. He was also currently serving as the President of the New Albany Volunteer Fire Relief Association. Dale was Captain of the Fire Police. Dale will be fondly remembered for his call number, New Albany #3.

Besides his love and dedication of serving his community, he enjoyed camping and fishing, especially on Christie Lake, in Perth, Ontario. This trip was an annual vacation spot for him and his family for many years. He loved mowing his yard along with gardening and he couldn't wait to enjoy his first ripe tomato sandwich and corn on the cobb. He enjoyed tending to his small orchard he just planted last spring and enjoyed 4-wheeler riding.

However his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was a true family man in every sense. He adored and had an abundance of pride for his two daughters, his two grandsons, and his granddaughter (whom he helped raise). He never missed a family gathering and was particularly fond of his granddaughter’s new business Hometown Treasures, he encouraged and helped her in any way he could. He was a loving Father, Gramps, Great-Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Surviving:

Two daughters and sons-in-law:

Penny and Kevin Heinze, Overton, PA

Candy Kaye and Rich Urban, New Albany, PA

Grandchildren:

Brittany and Daniel Porter, New Albany, PA

Ben and Dominique Heinze, New Albany, PA

Mitchell and Shannon Epler, USSF, Colorado Springs, CO

Great grandchildren:

Reid Heinze, New Albany, PA

Ian Heinze, New Albany, PA

Special friend:

Bonnie Gill, Towanda, PA

Dale is also survived by his former wife of over 30 years and the mother of his daughters, Judith Ann Benjamin Hatch of New Albany and by two sisters-in-law: Carol Hatch and Carol Benjamin. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins and his beloved cat Pita, and his two grandpups, Winston and Paisley.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother Floyd Ivan Hatch on August 26, 2016, and his sister Charlotte Linda Hatch Abrams on October 25, 2024.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA, with Pastor Michael Bentz and Mr. James K. Magee officiating. 

Family and friends may call on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and also on Saturday morning, February 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM until the start of the service at 11:00 AM all in the Homer Funeral Home, Dushore, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New Albany Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 167, New Albany, PA 18833 or to the Bradford County Humane Society, PO Box 179, Ulster, PA 18850.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA 18614

To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com