Dale Vincent Cuculi

Dale Vincent Cuculi, age 90, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on January 21, 1936, in Channing, Michigan, to Vincent and Gladys Cuculi, Dale lived a life grounded in hard work, humility, fun, and a deep devotion to those he loved. He married his high school sweetheart in 1958, Maxine Mae (Wifler), and together they built a strong and caring family, raising their four daughters: Kim, Karla, Kori, and Kendra in Waukesha, WI, where he was a longtime member of St. Mark’s Church.

Dale was a lifelong educator and mentor. He worked as an Industrial Education teacher in Sussex, WI and then, after earning his Master’s Degree, he became Vocational Coordinator for the co-op program in Menomonee Falls, WI, where he guided and inspired countless students with his patience and steady nature. He later went on to become the business owner of Budget Rental Center on West Avenue in Waukesha, WI where his knowledge, reliability, and willingness to help made him a trusted and familiar figure in the community. “Just Call Dale” was a common phrase that became a testament to how much people relied on his advice and expertise.

Dale enjoyed coaching softball for the girls, bringing enthusiasm, encouragement, and a sense of humor to every game. He had a special quote many will remember "Runs are Fun and It's Fun to Run" as he coached a Waukesha Women's team to win the league championship many times throughout the years.

His love for sports carried throughout his life as he enjoyed playing softball, golf and basketball for many years. Dale was an avid Packers, Brewers and Badgers fan, as well as the No. 1 fan for his grandchildren, attending every football, baseball, soccer, softball, lacrosse and hockey game, and every swim meet he possibly could.

After moving to Lake Keesus in Merton, Dale's favorite activities included camping and boating, as well as taking care of his RV and Boat for family and friends to enjoy. His favorite night was going for Friday Fish Fry at Ron's Cozy Corner in Oconomowoc, where many of the staff loved him and welcomed him by name.

Above all, Dale cherished his family. He was loyal, easygoing, and had a great sense humor with a quiet strength that made others feel seen, supported and cared for. As a selfless husband, father, and grandfather, he led by example: always patient, always kind and always thinking of others before himself.

Dale is survived by his beloved wife, Maxine; his daughters, Kim Cuculi (Steve Schopf), Karla Cuculi (Lyons), Kori (Tony) Collins, and Kendra (Greg) Maniaci; his grandchildren, Taylor (Tyler) Murphy, Keenan Cuculi, Joey Maniaci, Mac Collins, Kylie Cuculi, and Eric Schopf and step-grandson Anthony (Tony) Lyons III; his first great-grandchild, Kennedy Marie Murphy; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son-in-law, Anthony (Tony) Lyons Jr; his siblings, Gwenllyn Joy Johnson and Geraldine “Jerry” Pirlot.

Dale will be remembered for the way he showed up for others; with a calm kindness and a genuine desire to help. His presence brought comfort, his guidance made a difference, and his love leaves a lasting legacy in the lives of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

A visitation for Dale will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home (237 N. Moreland Blvd, Waukesha, WI 53188), beginning at 1:00 PM and continuing until the start of the memorial service at 3:00 PM.