Dale F. Coria

Dale Francis Coria, 69, passed away, with the love of family and friends in his heart, Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at the St. Luke’s Campus of MVHS.

Dale was born in Utica, September 23, 1953, a son of the late Nicholas J. and Angela (Caputo) Coria. He was raised and educated in New Hartford and was a 1971 graduate of New Harford High School. While in high school, he joined DeMolay International, a youth group within the Loyal Order of Masons. He became a Master Councilor of the Utica Chapter, and eventually a Deputy Regional Master Councilor, and was awarded  Knighthood, in the Order of Chevalier.

He attended MVCC and received an Associate’s Degree in Human Services. Dale worked several jobs before taking a position with the Rome Developmental Center. He continued his education at SUNY Upstate, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree, with honors, in Health Service Management. He went on to accept a student internship with Unicare Health Facilities. For over fifteen years, he worked as an Administrator in training in Philadelphia, PA, Assistant Administrator in Reading, PA, Administrator in Wellsboro, PA, Senior Administrator in the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and Assistant V.P. of operations for its western division.  He later moved on to work as V.P. of operations for the Willow Wood Nursing Homes, in Massachusetts.

Dale was forced into early retirement due to a severe auto accident, followed by several heart attacks. While in recovery, he continued his education earning a Master’s Degree, with high honors, from the American Military University.

On July 9, 1977, in York Harbor, Maine, Dale married Kathleen M. Kelly. The couple shared over 40 loving years of marriage until his beloved Kat passed away in 2018.

He is survived by his son, Dale Coria II (Amy) of Sauquoit; two grandsons, Matt and Mike Coria and two great grandsons, Dean and Sam Coria, all of Ilion; his in-laws, F. Michael Kelly II (Mary), Dianne Ernest (Paul) of PA, Sharon Elefante (Rocco) of Oriskany, Michael Kelly (Ann) of Prospect, Joseph Kelly (Karen) of Binghamton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends, especially Michele Hummel (Harrison), and his best friend for over fifty years, Paul Dudajek (Johanna). He was predeceased by his parents, beloved wife, and sister, Lydia Bertrand.

Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday, November 29, 10 to 11 a.m., at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., at Mohawk St., Utica. A service celebrating Dale’s life will be held at the conclusion of visitation, at 11 a.m., with interment to follow in Crown Hill Memorial Park.

In memory of Dale, please consider donations to his favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org or Shriners Hospitals for Children at donate.lovetotherescue.org

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