Dr. A. Dale Lilyfors

Dr. A. Dale Lilyfors passed away on Tuesday, March 9th after 83 years of a life lived with beautiful experiences and few regrets. He took his final breaths at his home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, surrounded by family and comforted in the arms of his daughter, Chantal.

 

Dr. Lilyfors was born on December 24, 1937 to Garfield Arthur and Monica Elizabeth Lilyfors in Chicago, Illinois. There, he met the love of his life and wife, Vittorina (Vicky). Dale and Vicky spent 60 years of life in a marriage filled with love, travels and family.

 

Upon his many accomplishments in life, Dr. Lilyfors put himself through school, getting his B.A. from North Park College, his M.A. from Roosevelt University and his Ph.D. from the University of Sarasota in Special Education Programs. He dedicated his career life to help shape the minds of young people as the Director of Special Educational Services for Champagne County in Illinois.

 

After retiring, he and his wife moved from Illinois to New Smyrna Beach in 2002 to be closer with Chantal, his son-in-law, Peter, and his two granddaughters, Victoria and Gabrielle.

 

He spent the last 19 years of his life as a member of the New Smyrna Beach Yacht Club, a thespian for the New Smyrna Beach Little Theater, a mentor for local middle and high school students and a devoted grandfather to Victoria and Gabrielle.

 

As a man who loved God, his family and his friends, Dr. Lilyfors will be remembered as a captivating storyteller, an altruistic teacher and a caring family member. He will be forever missed.

 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2021 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, New Smyrna Beach. Friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2021 with the Vigil Service at 3:30 p.m. at Settle-Wilder Funeral Home, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.