Dale William Harrison, 77, also known by many as the “General” passed away peacefully in his home in Kunkletown on Saturday, January 14, 2023. Born October 1, 1945 in Easton, PA he was a son of the late Gladys (Shupe) and Bishop Harrison. A 1963 graduate of Easton High School, he received his Bachelor’s degree from Tusculum College in Tennessee and his Master’s degree from Ol’ Miss followed by a fellowship at the University of Chicago. Dale proudly taught History at Nazareth High School for 33 years before retiring. He was a member of Mensa International and actively involved in the historical reenactment community through his historical reproduction business, the Blanket Brigade. Dale will be remembered for his deep affection of the past and his respect for our nation’s history.
He is survived by 4 children: Trevor Harrison (Tracey) of Souderton, PA, Kelley Cameron (Scott) of Palmer Twp., PA, Meghan McMahon (Dan) of Palmer Twp., PA, and Kathleen Harrison of Easton, PA; his 8 beloved grandsons: Justin Harrison, Quinn Cameron, Aidan Harrison, Alex Cameron, Logan Harrison, Greyson Harrison, Finn McMahon, Kayleb Zigubu; and his best friend and partner: Cecilia Rorro.
A calling period will be held from 5 to 7 PM Thursday (Jan.19) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Interment will be private in The Historic Easton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Homestead Veterinary, Baby Blue Compassion Fund, 148 Jonas Rd., Kunkletown, PA 18058, to assist those in need of financial assistance to receive lifesaving medical care for their animals. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Jeff brosky
January 17, 2023 at 12:51 pm
Knew him great history buff had a many conversations with him at civil war events
Rest in peace sir
Robert Slamp
January 17, 2023 at 1:11 pm
My sincere condolences to Celia and the entire family. There is a group of us who bought many, as we called them, “bordello shirts” from him over the years. We always had great conversations with him. He will be missed.
Gary R. Weaver
January 17, 2023 at 1:46 pm
Dale was a good friend and brother historian and reenactor…
Ted Dombroski
January 17, 2023 at 3:00 pm
My deepest condolences to Cissy, family and his many, many friends. He was a great guy. I salute you General.
Kimberly Kilmer
January 17, 2023 at 3:54 pm
Dale had a great heart and a lot of knowledge. My prayers go to his family and his best friend Cecilia! Feel the love from your friends miles away!
Paula L. Thomas
January 17, 2023 at 6:38 pm
Dale was a great friend. I loved his history lessons. The campfires at the end of the days when we were re-enacting were so much fun with all the laughing and kidding. My sincere condolences to Miss Cissy, his family and friends. Dale, you will be missed but not forgotten. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Jack white
January 17, 2023 at 6:39 pm
Dale will always be remebered as a person who was full of life and enjoyed all the things he did and loved family and friends.
John Conover
January 17, 2023 at 8:27 pm
To you and the family Dale will be remembered as a strong caring person and a great teacher he will be missed
Dave Goliger
January 17, 2023 at 9:09 pm
I was the one who brought you and your sultery into the Civil War, when I met you at the Revolutionary war event in Riveredge. I nearly killed you in the field at Gettysburg the following year. You will be missed by so many. I wounder if FB will ban you now 3:) RIP ol’ friend.
Suzanne and Michael Beidleman
January 17, 2023 at 9:28 pm
Very glad we had time to talk at this past October’s Jacobsburg. Many sarcastic barbs poked both ways between Michael and Dale. That give grief get grief attitude was always fun to be around. He will be missed! Much love to Cecelia and his family!
Mona McHugh
January 17, 2023 at 9:40 pm
I met Dale about 30 yrs back at a campfire he was dressed as a Mexican and told me the funnest joke about Valdez He was always kind to me and my boys many items were bought from him at reenactments. No one can come near to the many lives he touched. Condolences to Cissy and his family
Joe Vena
January 17, 2023 at 9:44 pm
My Condolences to the family and friends rest in peace General. Prayers sending to family 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Steve( Big Bear) Salisbury
January 17, 2023 at 11:16 pm
My Deepest Condolences to Cissy and Dale’s Family and many Friends. Have called Dale a friend from rendezvous in the 80s to the present. Wearing my Capote and buckskin jacket will always remind me of Dales fun times, fun stories and playing the Deguello on the dented bugle at rendezvous . Rest in Peace , old Friend
Will Vanderburg
January 18, 2023 at 7:56 am
My sincerest condolences to Dale’s family. I knew Dale first as I was a reenactor and later as I became a Sutler. I usually set my store next to his. We always had a good rapport and spent many hours talking “world views”. If he didn’t have something a customer wanted, he would send them to me.
I will miss you.
marie reichl
January 18, 2023 at 12:02 pm
Dale was certainly an outstanding and most memorable history teacher at Nazareth High School for many years. Surely there is not one student who can’t recall his unique style of teaching, his strong perspectives, and sharp wit not to mention some unique artifacts he shared in class. Friends and staff members all have their own “Dale” stories but all will never forget his sometimes brash but heartfelt conversations and pundits. It seems he continued to educate and entertain even after retirement. My hope is that his often expressed love of family follows him. I also hope he is sharing some great times with his fellow historians and friends Darwin Brodt and Jim Wright. Sincere sympathy and peace to all.
Jeanne Onuska
January 18, 2023 at 5:14 pm
Dale was one awesome fella, full of gnarly come-backs and witty humor! I had the pleasure to get to know him when I needed to have a set of buckskins made. Not just any buckskins, but a replica of Calamity Jane’s. He was the only man willing to make them exact from her famous fotos. He knew the importance of keeping it period correct, and the more he and I talked about my goals, the more respect we had for each other. He made it possible for me to bring Martha Jane Canary to life at many Living History events.. I will continue to take pride in wearing them and each time, it will be in Dale’s honor. He taught me so much about Calamity and the supposedly love hate relationship between her and Gen. Custer and Wild Bill Hickock. He always took that opportunity to educate those willing to listen. I will miss him, but I hope I can continue to make him proud when I portray Martha Jane. Godspeed my friend. I know you are at peace now. My sincerest condolences to all of his family and friends. May God Bless all of you and keep you safe. Dale is watching over all of us…
Ken Colomba
January 18, 2023 at 6:50 pm
My sincerest condolences to Cissy and Dale’s family. I knew Dale for over 20 years. He was man who could tell great stories and spoke his mind, around the Civil War Reenactors camp fires. I am glad that I was blessed to see Dale this past August along with Cissy. It was an honor to have known Dale over the years, for he well be missed, until we meet again with other like friends.
Tony Loiacono E.A.H.S. ’63
January 19, 2023 at 12:49 am
Mensa and former Mr. Easton. R.I.P my friend.
Joe Interrante
January 19, 2023 at 3:26 pm
I am so sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. I didn’t know him well but he was always interesting and friendly. My sympathy to his family.
Joe
Alan Kratzer
January 19, 2023 at 6:09 pm
Dale was a true living legend and a very passionate person. He was passionate as our freshman football coach, teacher and fellow colleague. Dale was one of the most knowledgeable and intelligent persons I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I can remember when I was the woodshop teacher at Nazareth High School and Dale came into the shop to make powder horns. That was the beginning of the blanket brigade! Dale sure could spin a yarn figuratively and literally! He also made an awesome batch of olde Saranac. I will continue to think of him often!!
Dee Lande
January 20, 2023 at 10:21 pm
My sincere condolences to Dale’s family and friends. I knew Dale as Blanket Man when he first started attending rendezvous reinactments in the 80s. He was always a fun and interesting visitor to our campfire. RIP, Dale.