By Dedra Cordle
Staff Writer
Pleasant Township is mourning the loss of one of its long-time leaders.
On Dec. 4, trustee Dale Worthington passed away after a brief battle with melanoma cancer. He was 74 years old.
As a proud resident of the Grove City community, Worthington was compelled to give back to the place he loved by following in the footsteps of his father, Ralph, by serving in the political realm.
Though the Grove City High School and Pennsylvania State University alum may have lost a close election or two in Pleasant Township in the late 1990s, he remained dedicated to the community and never gave up hope that someday he could serve on its board of trustees.
Then, in November of 2001, he was elected to the board and began serving in January of 2002.
Throughout his 13 years on the board, Worthington helped the community in many capacities and worked diligently with his fellow trustees to establish a comprehensive plan for the township. He also served on the board when the township signed onto the Big Darby Accord.
In addition to the Pleasant Township board, he previously served on the Franklin County Fair Board and the Hilltop YMCA Board of Directors. He also served as a deacon for St. John’s Lutheran Church and was a long-time 4-H advisor.
In his time away from governing, Worthington enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, his dogs and working on his land.
Chairwoman Nancy Hunter, who worked with Worthington on the board of trustees for over seven years, said she is thankful for the time she got to spend with him governing the township.
“He was very easy to work with,” she said.
Hunter said that even though they did not agree on everything, he was always respectful during and after said disagreements.
“Dale always showed a great respect for everyone.”
Due to Worthington’s sudden passing, the board agreed at the Dec. 8 meeting to accept resumes to fill his seat. They said they will accept the resumes until the next trustee’s meeting, which is on Dec. 22. Hunter said they hope to appoint a new trustee before the month is over.
