John Henry Dalton

Together Again

John Henry Dalton passed away peacefully at the Hospice Care Center in Akron on December 21, 2021.

John was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 27, 1926 to his parents, John Ford Dalton and Marie Margaret Sangmeister. John was the oldest of three boys, brothers Richard and Paul, who both preceded him in death. Most of John’s early life was spent in Wellesley, Massachusetts where he graduated from High School in the NROTC program and joined the Navy with hopes of becoming a Naval Aviator. Timing and some health issues kept him from flying for the Navy, but he went on to attend Williams College and M.I.T., graduating with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. And he did get his pilot’s license.

Living in Wellesley provided him no lack of dating opportunities with a prominent girl’s college, Wellesley, essentially in his back yard. It was here he met his future wife, Betty, to whom he was married for nearly 68 years, until her passing in 2018.

John moved to Betty’s hometown, Akron, and began a successful career with Goodyear Aerospace as a defense contractor. He worked with the Navy not only in the U.S. but also abroad. He was highly commended for his work and service to the industry.

John adored traveling. His job afforded him and Betty the opportunity to travel overseas but they got the bug and traveled the world over. He would comb travel brochures that never stopped coming in recent years and he had pretty much been to all their destinations.

John loved the out of doors, hiking and biking in local parks. He was also an avid skier. He served on the Boston Mills Ski Patrol and became a regional coordinator for the National Ski Patrol. His goal was to ski every ski-able mountain in the world, and he came darn close to meeting this goal.

John was a staunch supporter of the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area which became our beloved National Park. He served on and chaired the Board for the now Conservancy for the CVNP. He was particularly a strong advocate for the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center camp, a place where area school children could come to enjoy the beauty of nature in the National Park.

John also served on the Board of the Summit County Historical Society, where he met his dear friend, the director, Leianne. The Blick Center was also another organization for which John served.

John’s “happy place” was sitting on his front porch, smoking his cigar, doing his crossword puzzle and the daily Jumble. He was an old school gentleman, always opening doors for the women in his life. And his smile and wit radiated his warmth to all.

He is survived by his daughter Mindy Bartholomae (Phil) of Akron, son Mark Dalton (Cami) of Anchorage, Alaska, daughter Amy Dalton (Brian) of Anchorage, Alaska. John’s grandchildren are Paul Bartholomae, Laura Bartholomae, Anna Dalton, Willie Dalton (Johanna), and Katy Dalton.

A memorial service will be held at Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ (2095 W. Market Street, Akron, OH 44313) on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.  A calling hour will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with the service immediately following.  As an act of Christian love, the church asks that all attendees wear a face mask.  For Live Streaming of the memorial service, visit https://fairlawnwest.org , or the Fairlawn-West UCC Facebook page

To honor John, his life and legacy, please consider a donation to the Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park or the Summit County Historical Society.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333.