Obituary of Dale P. Hirrel

Dale Patrick Hirrel, of Greenwood Lake, New York, passed away on April 30, 2016. He was 16 years old. Born on February 26, 2000, in Middletown, New York, he was the son of Jacqueline (McAteer) and Daniel Hirrel of Greenwood Lake. Dale could be spotted a mile away just from the huge smile on his face for which he always had for anyone and everyone. His presence was larger than life and his impact on those who had the privilege of knowing him was enormous. He was filled with passion for his family and friends. High school days for Dale began at George F. Baker High School in Tuxedo, New York. As a freshman, he was elected President of his class. After freshman year, it was necessary for him to select where he wanted to continue his high school studies. Dale chose Warwick High School, where he would successfully immerge himself into the Warwick student body as a sophomore. It didn't take Dale long for his good-natured personality to shine, where he impressed his new classmates, who quickly discovered that Dale was a very special person. Throughout his life, as well as his high school years, he was not only active in academics and sports, but also in community projects. He was a member of Student Government and the basketball and baseball teams. He enjoyed playing soccer and was an avid skateboarder. Dale was a big fan of RAP music and participated in RAP battles. During the winter months, he had fun snowboarding and enjoyed family vacations in Florida with the Hirrels. During the summer, he enjoyed family vacations at the Jersey Shore with the McAteers. As a member of Holy Rosary Church in Greenwood Lake, Dale recently volunteered as a student assistant for religious education classes for local youth. Dale played the precious role of "Jesus" in the church play. Recently, Dale was named "Best Personality" through the Ellen White Foundation at Holy Rosary. Additional pastimes include video gaming. Dale was known for his eclectic hats and never left the house without wearing one to amuse his many friends. He will be lovingly remembered by his mother for saying, "Deuces Mom" each time he left the house and he fondly referred to his dad as "Pop". Dale is survived by his parents, as well as his siblings, Daniel, Cieralyn, and Dane, all of whom he was very close with. He is also survived by his godparents, Erin Costa and William Hirrel. In addition, he is survived by an extensive family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, on both his maternal side, the McAteer family, and his paternal side, the Hirrel family. He is predeceased by his maternal grandfather, the late Walter J. McAteer, and his paternal grandparents, the late Catherine (Kate) (Grammy)Kilcullen Hirrel and Michael (Popo) Hirrel. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, May 4th and 5th, at Strong Basile Funeral Home at 4 Oak Street in Greenwood Lake, New York. Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 6th, at Holy Rosary RC Church in Greenwood Lake, followed by interment at Warwick Cemetery in Warwick, New York. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hirrel family online by visiting https://www.youcaring.com/dale-hirrel-s-family-563560 or Holy Rosary Church 41 Windermere Avenue Greenwood Lake, NY 10925. A family statement reads: "May we all strive to be like Dale Patrick Hirrel." He will be deeply missed. For additional information, please visit Strong Basile Funeral Home web site at www.ocfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements by Strong-Basile Funeral Home Greenwood Lake, NY 845-477-824