Dalton Szelle

Dalton Szelle died in Wichita, KS on Monday, November 23, 2020. He was preceded in death by his wife Muriel and is survived by his two daughters Jerrilyn Szelle Holladay (Donald) and Jacquelyn Szelle Fremin (Justin), all of Wichita. Dalton was born on June 4, 1925 in New York City. He graduated from Brooklyn Tech High School at the age of 16. In 1945 he married his high school sweetheart Muriel. During WWII he served in the Navy in the Philippines. After returning from the war, he resumed his college education and graduated from Pratt University in 1947 with a degree in electrical engineering. As a design engineer for Sperry Gyroscope his work included the Mercury Space Program and the Sparrow Missile Program. Throughout his career, he worked with the Navy, Coast Guard, and the Air Force designing defense and navigational systems around the country and the world, many of which are still protecting us today. Although he traveled extensively for his work, his favorite place to be was home in Locust Valley on Long Island’s north shore. When at home he enjoyed swimming, tennis, and dancing with his beloved wife. He was a gardener and a man who could fix or build anything. He was also an avid reader of history and economics in particular. In 1994, he became a Roman Catholic at St. Gertrude’s Roman Catholic Church in Bayville, NY. After his wife of 57 years passed away in 2002, he moved from Long Island to live near his daughters in Wichita, KS. He was 95 1/2 years old when he passed away. The Rosary and Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church on Monday, November 30, 2020. The Rosary is at 10 am. Mass begins at 10:30 am. Masses for the repose of the soul of Dalton Szelle are preferred. A memorial has been established with The Center for Hope. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.