Dale D. Milks

Dale D. Milks

Dale D. Milks, 85, of St. Petersburg, went to be with the Lord Friday evening, November 21, 2025, at Shippenville Healthcare and Rehabilitation. 

Dale was born in Richburg, NY, on February 8, 1940.  He was the son of the late Wilbur “Bum” and Catherine (Carpenter) Milks.

Dale showed incredible resilience from an early age. He survived a polio diagnosis at the age of 12 as he received treatment at ZemZem Shriners Hospital in Erie. He graduated in 1959 from Bradford High School and attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. He subsequently received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Pittsburgh. 

Dale devoted 30 years of his life to compassionate pharmacy, operating multiple pharmacies in Clarion and Venango Counties. He was a co-owner of pharmacies in both Knox and Cranberry. His pharmacy career was sidelined by the diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor. Through faith in the everlasting God, he was miraculously healed and blessed with an additional 25 years of life. 

Dale had been a long-time active member of Bethany EC Church and was most recently a member of New Zion EC Church in Emlenton. In his earlier years, Dale was a member of the Knox Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, and Lions Club. He enjoyed walking, bicycling, and Snickers bars. His family will always cherish his legacy of love and perseverance. The family would like to thank everyone who prayed for and supported Dale in the final journey of his life.        

Dale was preceded in death by his wife, Janice (Ditty) Milks, whom he married in St. Petersburg on September 23, 1961. Mrs. Milks preceded him in death on November 6, 2020.

Four Children survive: Scott E. Milks and his wife Jeanette of Snead’s Ferry, NC, Steven T. Milks of St. Petersburg, Tonja A. Sherman and her husband Rodney of Salem, and Brian D. Milks and his wife Simona of Knox; nine grandchildren; a sister Valerie J. Charleton and her husband Fred of Bradford; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers in law and sisters in law.

In addition to his parents and wife, Dale was preceded in death by a brother, Gary, and a sister, Sandra Dittus. 

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home, Inc., 802 Grove St., St. Petersburg, PA, from 2 – 4 pm Saturday, November 29, 2025.  A memorial service will follow from the funeral home at 4 pm with the Rev. Lewis Bennett, pastor of New Zion EC Church, officiating.  Memorial contributions, in Mr. Milks name, may be made to the Shriners at https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org.

To send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.