A heartbreaking obituary detailedthe sudden death of Ossie Dahl, a former White Plains Hospital executive, during a retirement celebration.
Itstarted by acknowledging Dahl of Cortlandt would've resented the circ*mstances of his death.
"Partially because he hates publicity, but mostly he’d be mad he left this world just one week into retirement," the obituary said.
READ: Ossie Dahl obituary notice
Dahl, 64, described as "big, kind and gentle Ossie,"died on Fridaywhile celebrating his 40-year career at White Plains Hospital, includingasvice president of facilities.
"His last moments were spent expressing love, gratitude and happiness, surrounded by his closest family, friends and colleagues," the obituary said.
A 911 callreported Dahl fainted after giving his retirement speechat the Woman’s Club of White Plains, saidAssistant White Plains Police Chief Joseph Castelli.
Police and ambulance arrived within minutes of the 6:40 p.m. call.There were a number of doctors at the party who were alreadyworking on Dahl, Castelli said. CPR continued in the ambulance to White Plains Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Dahl's family compiled an overview of his life for The Journal News/lohud, providing a list of remembrances during a gathering Monday.
"His face literally lit up when he was around family,especially his kids and grandkids," Dahl's family said.
"He loved interacting with them — chatting, drinking, eating and laughing with his kids; playing hide and seek, gardening and doing “marching band” with his grandsons — but you could also tell he just loved being in their presence," they said.
"You’d catch him sitting back and taking it all in with a huge smile on his face."
The obituaryreiterated Dahl's love ofhis beloved wife, Donna, andreminiscing over wine with his brothers, Steve and Kenneth Dahl.
Other things Ossie Dahl loved werebonding over menus with his daughter, Lauren Cummings, and life chats with his son, Matt Dahl, as well as being "Pa" to his grandsons, Tyler and Ryan Dahl, the obituary said.
Spoiling his eight nieces and nephews was another beloved past-time of Dahls.
His family, colleagues, "Monday Night Cards,"friends of 50 years, and Fran Dahl, his children's mother, will continue to celebrate his life and keep his memory alive through stories, the obituary said.
Many of those tales took shape in the family's comments on Dahl, like hisbig sense of humor that (unbeknownst to him) controlled a room.
They listed favorite travel spots, like Pinehurst, North Carolina; Rome, Italy; andNapa Valley, California — Wine Country.
They detailed Dahl's enjoyment intending to his vegetable and rock garden, and jokedabout his finely manicured lawn making neighbors jealous.
Some other highlights included Dahl's trip with brother Steve (bones) andEllifie to Germany for Oktoberfest 1987, as well as his affinity for New York City steakhouses, Hostess yellow cupcakes and Mallomars, in the fall.
Therewas also amagical trip Dahl took to California with uncle Ray and theannual trips to Keens with his son, Matt.
The family recalled Dahl's love of Bruce Springsteen concerts, college basketball games and golf with family and friends around the world. And there were all the Yankees games andvacations at Aunt Gloria’s spring lake house that came to mind.
Dahl's White Plains Hospital colleagues also talked to The Journal News/lohud.
"The entire White Plains Hospital family is heartbroken over the loss of our beloved friend and colleague, Ossie Dahl," hospital workers said.
They added: "Ossie’s impact on our hospital over the 40 years he worked here was powerful. He was a selfless leader who appreciated and respected everyone, always having the ability to bring a smile to our faces with his unique outlook, warmth and ability to connect with all."
Hospital staff remembered Dahl asa mentor to many and friend to everyone.
"We will always feel his presence in our hallways," they said.
Measure twice, cut once
Relatives went on todescribeDahl as anaround-the-house handyman (known for saying 'we will make it work'and 'measure twice, cut once').
They noted how he drank a Stolimartini up with a twist and a side of ice, and had a dapper sense of style defined by paisley tiesand hats that only he could pull off.
There was Dahl's habit ofeating Teresa’s rosemary chicken straightoff the stove, family recalled, and thegravy or sauce debate between him and his wife, Donna.
Dahl's family also remembered how he hadan open door policy on Ogden Ave, in the home his father and grandfather builtand where helater raised his own family.
They detailedDahl's selflessness,passion for family and life that included things big and small, like afamily riband iced tea recipe — teaching everyone how to make them perfectly.
"And the list goes on and on and on...." the family said.
The tragic endingspread on social media, including the alumni Facebook page forWalter Panas High School Class of 1978, which shared the obituary.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. with a chapel service at 8:30 p.m. at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington St., Peekskill.
Private cremation service to follow.
Memorial donations can be made to the White Plains Hospital Foundation Power of One employee giving campaign.
