A memorial scholarship in the name of Dale G. Grey has been established to help nursing students offset educational expenses. Donations can be sent to the Wilson Funeral Home, attention John Antonowicz, 68 South Broad Street, Norwich, NY 13815. Grey, originally from Norwich, was a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, nurse, teacher and deacon at St. Bartholomew’s and St. Paul's catholic churches. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — Recently, the Norwich Knights of Columbus Council 211 held a benefit dinner for Deacon Dale G. Grey, who unexpectedly passed in August.

“About 120 people attended the dinner and we raised over $4,000,” said Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Jim Reynolds.

Reynolds said the funds will go to the Dale G. Grey Memorial Scholarship in support of educating future nurses.

Grey, originally from Norwich, was a retired U.S Air Force colonel and a deacon at St. Bartholomew’s and St. Paul’s Catholic churches in Norwich.

“By trade, he was a nurse, a teacher, a colonel in the Air force and then a deacon,” Reynolds said. “He had a pretty impactful career.”

Reynolds added that Grey was well liked among fellow deacons and noted more than a dozen attended the memorial service held in his honor.

Terri Grey-Wessels, Grey’s sister said her brother was dedicated to taking care of community, country, and service.

“Being a retired Air force colonel, he served our country honorably,” she said. “After he retired, he became a nurse and came back to our community to teach future nurses and then became a deacon in the catholic church.”

He was at peace being a deacon and enjoyed serving and helping people,”Grey-Wessels said. “He was amazing.”

She said the memorial scholarship will help nursing student offset educational expenses. As the administrator for her brother’s foundation, she asked that any donations be sent to the Wilson Funeral Home, attention John Antonowicz, 68 South Broad Street, Norwich, NY 13815.