Dell Cyril Tyler, 78, of Cato, N.Y., passed on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, in Statesville, N.C. He was born December 8, 1942, in Conquest, N.Y., the son of the late James Guy and Mary Elizabeth Tyler. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Charles Tyler; and a sister, Susan Hollier.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Winifred (Forbes) Tyler; their five children, Loretta, Joseph (Danyelle), Tammy, Timothy and Michael (Joanne); seven grandchildren, Mathew, Mark, Dylan, Derek, Dustin, Joseph, and Anthony; and several great grandchildren.

Dell was a devoted family man, a man of God, and a member of the Christian Science Mother Church. Dell was loved by many and was a compassionate man. As a teacher, he taught people with his hands, using any opportunity to make any moment a teachable moment. His dedication to others’ learning became his legacy and he educated those around him on how good life can be.

He graduated from Cato-Meridian High, Class of 1960, and then continued his education with a degree in Agriculture and Equipment Technology from SUNY of Cobleskill, Class of 1962. Dell moved into teaching Automotive Technology at BOCES of New York in Norwood for the next 20 years. He then moved back to Conquest and started a successful auto repair business from 1982-1990 in Victory, N.Y. Dell decided to move back into teaching at BOCES in Auburn. Dell was a volunteer fireman in West Potsdam during his years living there. His hobbies were flying airplanes, football and he worked on the NASCAR modified series Hemicuda race team of Potsdam, N.Y.

A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2021.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.