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In Memoriam: Area Man, Sailor, Greg Dalton, 66

Heaven became a little funnier when Greg Dalton entered into eternal life unexpectedly on Thursday, June 30. He was 66.

A memorial gathering is being held today, July 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank. Casual attire requested. Nautical gear encouraged. All are welcome.

A graduate of Middletown High School in 1974, the same year as his future wife (they didn’t know each other then but she had sure heard of him), anyone who knew Greg knew his reputation.

He and his then future wife, Karen, officially met at the Copper Kettle in Red Bank in 1976 and never looked back. They tied the knot on Aug. 1, 1981 and were this year coming up on their 41st wedding anniversary. They were very proud to be the couple married the longest at their niece’s recent wedding. 

After high school, Greg joined the U.S. Air Force, where he trained as an electrician. He then fulfilled his time as a reservist at McGuire Air Force Base as a load master on a C-141 cargo jet. His time in the military gave him the opportunity to travel the world. A man full of wanderlust, it was a dream come true. 

When he left the service, he settled down in New Jersey with Karen, and raised their daughter Colleen with lots of love and laughter. He transitioned from traveling the world to traveling up and down the East Coast on his sailboat. 

“His sailing adventure began in the 70s, and he never looked back. Those who know him well will always know him as Captain. His happy place was on the waves with his MGD and his Martin guitar.  Greg has such a special soul. He could talk to anyone about anything and was happy to do it. His laugh was loud and strong. He was full of information, and was always happy to teach. He was the center of attention, full of confidence and charisma. He always had a story to tell, and could easily make a short anecdote into a 3 hour soliloquy.  The last two years of his life were spent enjoying his retirement. He took great pride in being a “house wife” and doting on Karen. He honed in on his NYT Crossword skills, often racing with Colleen to see who could finish first. He read voraciously, especially enjoying historical fiction and nautical-themed novels. All that he learned he was happy to show off while watching Jeopardy. 

His incredible spirit will be missed, and our hearts break with him no longer near us. As much as it hurts, he wouldn’t want us to be sad. He would want us to laugh at his stories, his memory. His life was full and beautiful and it should be celebrated.” 

Loved ones of Greg Dalton in his obituary

He was predeceased by his father, Robert, and his mother, Carol O’Connell

Surviving are his wife, Karen, daughter Colleen, siblings Jeff ( Janice ), Peter, Leslie Duffy ( Brian ), Sara and Jill ( David ). Also mourning are Karen’s family, Mother-in-law,Irma Richeal, Alison Bay ( Kevin ), Jeanne Schullstrom ( Mark ), Mark Richeal ( Cathy ) and Scott Richeal, along with many nieces and nephews.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home