Dale M. Kolaczkowski

Dale, a person whose joy and wonder touched everyone around him, passed away on November 29, 2025 at the age of 75. To know Dale was to know someone who never stopped believing in magic—both the kind found in stories and the kind found in people. 

Dale was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island on March 25, 1950. His childhood and teen years were spent in Virginia and Rhode Island with his parents, Barbara and Vinnie, and his older brother Alan. After getting a college degree, he moved in with his parents in Encinitas, California in 1973 - the place that became his “forever home” until his death. His career in the plant nursery and landscaping business spanned over forty years and included advice on a local radio station. 

A lifelong Disneyland enthusiast, Dale found pure happiness walking down Main Street, U.S.A., hearing the distant whistle of the Disneyland Railroad, and watching fireworks light up the night sky. Disneyland wasn’t just a place to him—it was a sanctuary of imagination and nostalgia. He most loved watching others enjoy the Magic Kingdom. 

Dale also loved Hollywood movies and the actors who brought them to life. Whether quoting classic lines, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, or championing his favorite stars, he carried a genuine passion for the art of storytelling. Comics and their iconic characters were another lifelong affection; superheroes and fantastical worlds like Middle-earth or a Galaxy far, far away, reminded all of us of courage, hope, and the extraordinary within the ordinary. 

But above all, no season lit up Dale’s heart quite like Christmas. He embraced the holidays with unmatched enthusiasm, making every December sparkle at his Encinitas abode. His residence was even written up in the local papers for its extraordinary level of ornamentation. From decorating with meticulous joy, to giving thoughtful gifts, to spreading cheer in the smallest acts, Dale brought joy to his friends, family and fellow neighbors. 

May his journey onward be filled with endless lights, timeless stories, and all the magic he loved so dearly. 

Never married, Dale is predeceased by his parents Barbara and Vincent Kolaczkowski. His brother Alan and Alan’s wife Marianne who knew Dale since she was seventeen, along with their two children Bryan and Jason, are Dale’s only close family. They live in New Mexico and Colorado. Per his wishes, he will be cremated without fanfare followed by a private family gathering.