Dale A. Aikens
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Dale A. Aikens, 52, of Camden, passed away on Monday, August 2, 2021, at Oneida Healthcare. He was born in Rome on June 3, 1969, a son of the late Robert and Grace (Nickerson) Aikens. He was a 1987 graduate of Rome Free Academy. On September 12, 2008, he was united in marriage to Donna Billington.
Dale was an entrepreneur. He owned and operated The Pet Factory in Ilion, Utica and Verona and most recently he owned The Vaporz in Rome, Verona and Whitesboro.
His dream was always to be a pilot, and he went to flight school in South Carolina where he earned his private, commercial and instructor's license for single engine aircraft. He went back to flight school in 1990 in Panama City, FL, where he earned his multi-engine pilot certification. He worked professionally as a pilot for three years.
Those who knew Dale always heard him say that life is too short. You have to get out and do things, live life to the fullest every day. That is how he lived his life. Just this past year he bought a Class A RV and traveled the US with his wife, taking in all the wonderful sights throughout our beautiful country. He traveled the world with his wife and many wonderful friends.
Dale loved his camp on Lake Ontario, going to Utica Comets games and especially spending time with his grandchildren.
Surviving besides his loving wife, Donna, are two sons, Justin (Kate) and David (Kayleigh) Aikens; two step-children, Marshall Riopelle (Samantha) and Eric Tribbitt; a sister, Brenda Ceffalia (Chris); sixteen grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a date to be determined and will be streamed on Facebook live. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dale's memory may be made to the Valley Baptist Church of Osceola, c/o Cindy Keeney, 4393 Lee Center-Taberg Rd., Taberg, NY 13471.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 9464 State Rt. 13, Camden.
You may view the obituary, light a candle and post a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.