ALLEN F. DAWSON, 86
EAST LIVERPOOL - Lifetime East Liverpool resident Allen Fisher Dawson passed away peacefully late Monday afternoon, December 20, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his devoted family who had been a constant source of support and love throughout his lingering illness. He was 86.
A son of the late Claude and Grace Kathleen "Kate" (Fisher) Dawson, he was born May 30, 1935 in East Liverpool, and spent the rest of his life in this area.
Al was a 1953 graduate of East Liverpool High School. A natural athlete, he excelled in baseball while in school, and remained interested and involved in all aspects of sports. He especially enjoyed coaching men's slow-pitch softball and Christian league baseball, was a longtime referee for high school basketball, and football announcer for the Beaver Local Beavers. In his later years, he became president of the Pittsburgh Pirates Booster Club in Bradenton, Florida, where he enjoyed many seasons attending games and organizing various events.
As a young man, he managed the Firestone Tire Company in downtown East Liverpool. He later became a crane operator at the former Quaker State Oil Refinery, retiring in 1997.
In 1956, Al married the former Thelma Jean Tice, and together, they raised seven children in a home that was always filled with noise, activity, and most of all, love and respect for one another. They taught by example the importance of hard work and family values which would become the foundation for generations to come. Thelma passed away on November 27, 1994.
Al considered himself blessed to have been given another chance at happiness when he became reacquainted with Donna (McMasters) Curran, whose husband had passed away the same week as Thelma. Al and Donna were married on February 14, 1999, and they became inseparable from that point on.
He was the proverbial hub of the wheel for his family - the one they all knew they could count upon to be a presence in their lives. He made a point of speaking to his children and grandchildren on an almost daily basis, either on the phone or in person. Even though his declining health created mobility challenges, Al could often be seen traveling from place to place - with his faithful co-pilot Donna in the front seat - to check in with his kids and to be a part of their lives as best he could. He continued to be an enthusiastic athletic booster, especially when his grandkids were involved. He rarely - if ever - missed a sporting event they were a part of, and he was the perpetual cheerleader who was always available to lend his support, advice, or a listening ear.
In addition to spending time with Donna, Al was happiest when he was surrounded by those who loved him most. Surviving him are his children: Steve "Bubs" Dawson, Dan Dawson and his wife, Lisa; Kim DiLoreto and her husband, Mike; Debbie Riggs and her husband, Terry; Amy Graft and her husband, Troy; and David Dawson, all of East Liverpool, as well as Doug Dawson of Loudon, Tennessee. Al was immensely proud of his grandchildren: Brian Riggs and his wife, Emily; Stacey Oates and her husband, Jean; Katie Muldoon and her husband, Jesse; Andre' Dawson; Samantha Dawson and her fiance, Matt Howard; Nathan Riggs; Elizabeth Strope and her husband, Jordan; Cody Dawson, Jake Dawson, Nick Diloreto and his fiancee, Sydney Wells; Logan Dawson, Will Dawson, Max Dawson, Elle Dawson, Caleb Graft, Rose Graft and Grace Graft, as well as ten great-grandchildren.
Also surviving is one brother, Bob Dawson and his wife, Eileen, of Columbus; his stepsons, Mike Curran of East Liverpool and Craig Curran and his wife, Robin, and his step grandchildren, Doug Curran and his wife, Carmen, Natalie Vantilburg and her husband, Anthony, Michele Cornell and her husband, Jeff, and Melissa Carrish and her husband, Chris, and five step great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a stepdaughter-in-law, Lisa Curran.
The family is comforted in knowing Al recently reaffirmed his commitment to following Jesus Christ and is now reunited with many loved ones who were waiting for him to walk the streets of gold in Heaven.
Friends may visit at the Dawson Funeral Home on Thursday where the family will be present from 5 to 8 p.m. Masks are recommended.
Pastor Larry Rose of Northside Church will officiate a private family service.
Al will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the East Liverpool Alumni Association, 216 West 6th Street, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920.