Dale Hamer, 87, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024.  Born on September 12, 1937 in Fairhope, PA, Dale’s life had a lasting impact on his family, friends and the sports community. 

Dale was a proud member of the Belmar High School Class of 1955 coordinating class reunions and special events keeping the class connected to this day.  He graduated from California University of PA in 1960 working his way through college cutting lumber at a local sawmill.  In 1970 he earned his Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh.  He worked for the USX Corporation retiring in 1992 as the Vice-President of Leasing & Finance.

Dale Hamer started his illustrious officiating career with high school basketball in 1962.  Two years later he would work his first high school football game.  Over the next two decades he would officiate over 500 high school and college basketball games and over 400 high school and college football games. In 1978 he joined the ranks of the National Football League officiating over 400 games on the field.  Dale’s NFL career included 20 playoff games and two Super Bowls.  In 2002 he moved into the replay booth working over 180 games.  During his time in the NFL, Dale played an active role in the NFL Referee’s Association serving as President from 1996-1999.

Off the field, Dale was inducted into multiple Hall of Fames including the Robert J Cloherty Western Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania State Sports Hall of Fame.  He was a great champion for recognizing individual sport accomplishments and worked tirelessly for Pennsylvania’s network of Sports Hall of Fames.

Dale was proceeded in death by his oldest daughter Lauren Engber and his three siblings Donna Grace Gilotty, Darla Jean Belsick and Robert Hamer.

Dale will be missed by his wife of 54 years Arden and his two daughters Lisa (Jamison Jenkins) and Megan (Christian Tomley).  He was extremely proud of his five grandchildren Emily Engber, Jamison “JJ” Jr & Elizabeth “Ellie” Jenkins and Arden & Miles Tomley.   Additionally, Dale will be missed by his extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center via www.upmchillman.com/donate.