Harold Dale Spaulding

Dale had a gift for turning strangers into friends. Through humor, stories, encouragement, and kindness, he connected easily with people. His friendships were deeply meaningful and reflected his faith.

Dale proudly served as a United States Marine, retiring as a captain. The Marine Corps strengthened qualities central to his life: discipline, loyalty and duty.

His life was rooted in the Catholic Church, where he served as a lector, parish council member and extraordinary minister. His faith was evident in his devotion to Mary, his love for family, and his loyalty to friends.

A graduate of Tyrone High School, Dale earned degrees from Millersville State College, Seton Hall University and Penn State University. Education was one of his great passions, and he believed in the power of schools to shape lives.

Dale served as a teacher, coach, principal and educational leader. He was principal of Lampeter-Strasburg High School for 24 years, principal at Lyons Junior-Senior High School in New York, teacher and coach at Hanover Park High School in New Jersey and adjunct instructor at Penn State University. He also served as president of the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Above all, Dale loved his family. He was the beloved husband of Mary Waters Spaulding; devoted father of Cynthia Spaulding Baxter (John), Melissa Spaulding Bliss (Brian) and Gregory Spaulding (Noelle); and proud grandfather of Lauren (Ben), Andrew, Dylan, Kyle, Kelsey, Austin and Sophie.

Dale was preceded in death by his siblings: Richard Lee Spaulding, Patricia McDermott, Rita Cowher and Deskin Spaulding.

He is survived by his sister, Victoria Aults (Brad); his beloved wife; children; grandchildren; nieces; nephews; friends; colleagues; former students; parishioners; and community members.

Friends may visit with his family from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2026, at Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, Pa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 119 S. Prince St., Lancaster. Interment will be at a later date in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his memory to Historic St Mary’s Catholic Church at the above address; or to Make-A-Wish Foundation – Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley, Three Bala Plaza West, Suite 700, 251 St. Ansaphs Road, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.

To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com.