Obituary of Byron Anthony Dalton

Byron Anthony “Tony” Dalton was born June 6, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, and died peacefully on February 24^th, 2022 at Duke Hospital after a lengthy illness.  He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Suellyn Lehman Dalton; his brother, David Lee Dalton (Kaye) and their children Kelly Suhre (Steve) and Patrick Dalton (Regina) all of Louisville Kentucky and nieces and nephews Amanda Dalton, Billy Dalton (Nancy) of Annapolis Md., Anne K. Reinert (Kenny) of Pittsburgh Pa., And Ben Dalton of Tokyo Japan; his sister-in-law Andrea Gene Lehman of Mebane, NC, and brother-in-law Jay William Lehman (Mary), nephews David Edward Lehman and Jason Lyle Lehman(Kimberly) of San Antonio Texas, niece Arrah Lehman Hall (Chris) of Denver Co..

He was preceded in death by his parents William Albert and Marie Lieckert Dalton of Louisville, Ky., his brother William Albert “Bill” Dalton and sister-in-law Alice of Annapolis, Md. and his nephew Anthony Michael “Little Tony” Dalton of Louisville, Ky.

Tony graduated from St. Francis De Sales High School, earned a BA degree from Bellarmine University and M.Ed. from Spaulding University, all of Louisville, Ky.  He began his career as a Rehabilitation Counselor in Louisville, Ky.  He Moved to NC in 1969 to become a Consultant and Instructor at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill’s Mental Retardation Training Institute – later The Developmental Disabilities Training Institute (DDTI).  Tony worked at DDTI for 36 years, becoming Director in 2006.  He was a specialist in integrative programs and services and lectured and consulted throughout the United States.  Many I/DD professionals considered him a mentor.  His influence and leadership brought him a number of awards and honors. Tony was actively involved in the NC Community Living Association where he served as President and as a long-term Board Member for the organization. Tony was awarded the prestigious Laura Mae Pettee Award for his outstanding contribution to and advocacy for persons with developmental disabilities. Tony served on the Board of Directors for multiple terms of NC TASH. Tony and his wife, Suellyn, received the only joint award given by this organization. The award was for contributions to integrative programs for persons with disabilities in the state of North Carolina. Tony was presented the Outstanding Achievement Award from the NC Developmental Disabilities Council. Tony was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of Developmental Disabilities by the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities Section. Tony also served as President and board member for over 8 years with he Orange County Area Program Mental Health Services Board and he also served on the Board with Beyond Academics at UNCG. Tony authored several books including, “Best Practices in Supported Employment”.

After retirement Tony’s hobby was getting feral cat colonies spayed, neutered and vaccinated.  He had success with 3 colonies and over 100 cats.  Tony is survived by his own rescue cat, Mango at the home.

Funeral Service will be Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 2:00 pm at Walkers Funeral Home in Mebane.  A reception will be held after the service at the funeral home. 

Memorials may be directed to:

Alamance Community College’s Career College ( for I/DD students), P.O. Box 8000, Graham, NC 27253 (memo to Tony Dalton Memorial/ ACC Foundation).

UNCG’s Beyond Academics Program (for I/DD students), Advancement Operations, UNCG, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402 (check to UNCG, memo to Tony Dalton Memorial/Beyond Academics)

Burlington Animal Services, 221 Stone Quarry Road, Burlington, NC  27217

Walker’s Funeral Home in Mebane is assisting the Dalton Family.