can, fondly known as Dale, 74, of Garrettsville, went home to his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 11, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born September 3, 1949, in Cleveland, and was raised by his loving grandparents, Joseph and Grace Evitts, and mother, Barbara Byrne.
He was a proud veteran of the US Army. Dale served in the Vietnam War and was a member of the Garrettsville VFW, Post #5067. His greatest passions included teaching, music, and family. As a self-taught musician, Dale shared his musical talents throughout his entire life. He used his guitar and singing in his third-grade classroom at Crestwood, where he taught for 29 years. Dale was a member of many bands, including Tony’s Angels, King James and the Jesters, Akron Big Band, Northern Portage, Hiram College Irish Group, and The Garrettones. He also was an adjunct professor in the music department at Hiram College and the Hiram Christian Church Choir Director for 20 years. Aside from his love of music, Dale loved being a husband, dad, and grandpa. He would provide afternoon music concerts daily for his wife, Nancy. He attended every event for his children and grandchildren from sports to concerts to school activities. Dale loved to feed the birds, play games, sing and tell jokes to bring joy to everyone. His sense of humor was top notch; no one who met Dale will ever forget his infectious laugh, passion for music, and joy for life!
Dale will be deeply missed by his wife, Nancy (Lincoln) Lacan, who was blessed to share 46 years of marriage; children, Joshua (Candice) Lacan and Rebecca (Nathan) Goodell; grandchildren, Harper, Ryan, Evan, Natalie, and Journey; siblings, Gary (Louise) Campana, Louis (Dee) Campana, Vincent Campana, Diane (Rick) Kobrinski, and Marlene (Gary) Brohmerle; aunt, Wilda Nowakowski; uncle, Joe Evitts, as well as many nephews, nieces, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; mother; uncle, William Evitts, and aunt Alice (Pat) Matarrese.
Please join the family for a memorial visitation on Sunday, January 7, 2024, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, at the Hiram Christian Church, 6868 Wakefield Rd., Hiram, OH 44234. A memorial service will start at 4:00 pm at the church, with Rev. Chris McCreight officiating. Dale will be lovingly laid to rest Monday, January 8, 2024, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, OH 44273, at 12:45 pm, with full military honors.
Donations will be graciously accepted by Hiram Christian Church, 6868 Wakefield Rd., Hiram OH 44234, and Crestwood Local Schools Band Department, 10880 John Edward Dr., Mantua, OH 44255, Attention: Katie Hoffmeister, in Dale’s name, to honor his love of his church, Crestwood Schools, and music. For online condolences go to carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
