Dr. Marc Alan Gale
June 14, 1942 ~ May 5, 2026
Resided in: Gainesville, FL
Dr. Marc A. Gale, a Boston native, beloved educator, veteran, philanthropist, neighbor, and friend, leaves behind a lasting legacy of education, generosity, service, and love.
Educated at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Gale devoted his professional life to dentistry and teaching. He began his career at the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1972 and served there for more than 40 years as an Associate Professor of Dentistry. Upon his retirement, he was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus, a reflection of his extraordinary dedication to teaching, mentorship, and service.
Through his work, Dr. Gale helped shape generations of dentists who have gone on to serve patients and communities both locally and around the world. He was a Vietnam veteran, and his life reflected a deep commitment to service, education, and the betterment of others.
Dr. Gale’s generosity extended far beyond the classroom. He gave back to society through his profession and through his support of the arts, education, and community life. He was a donor to the University of Florida Harn Museum of Art and the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, supported local artists, funded scholarships, and was invited to speak at special events, including graduations.
Outside of his professional and philanthropic life, Dr. Gale loved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and enjoyed world travel. He had a deep appreciation for culture, friendship, and the beauty of life’s experiences.
He was deeply loved and celebrated by his community. To Dr. Gale, neighbors were never merely neighbors; they were close friends, loved ones, and family. He built meaningful relationships wherever he went, and those who knew him will remember his kindness, generosity, intellect, witty humor, and warm presence.
Dr. Gale is survived by his brother, Peter Gale of Thailand, and his sister-in-law, Deanna Gale of Scottsdale, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Richard Gale.
Dr. Marc A. Gale leaves behind a remarkable legacy: generations of students taught, lives touched, communities enriched, and love freely given. His memory will continue to live on in the many people he inspired, supported, and cared for throughout his life.
Honoring Marc’s final wishes, no funeral or memorial services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Marc A. Gale Endowed Term Professorship are appreciated as a living tribute to his lifelong commitment to education, service, and the dental profession.
https://giving.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/013073-marc-a-gale-endowed-term-professorship/
UF Giving funding code: 013073
Crevasse’s Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Gale family.
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Always fair and engaging, it was always a contest who could be the better smart ass
I tried I lost we laughed!
He was one if a kind and he will be missed
By all who knew him and those dental students who never will!
Rest in Peace Doc
My heart is very sad to read of Marc’s passing. I haven’t talked to Marc in a few years but considered him a friend. We shared many laughs and the world seems a little empty without his big personality.
Dr. Gale was truly one of a kind. He had an incredible sense of humor and a way of bringing light and energy into every room he walked into. Beyond being an exceptional educator, he genuinely cared about his students and about the quality of dentistry we would bring into the world because of what he taught us.
It’s remarkable to think that he taught not only me, but also my parents, along with generations of dentists who were fortunate enough to learn from him. His impact reaches far beyond the classroom and will continue through every patient cared for by those he mentored.
He will be remembered not only for his knowledge and dedication, but for the warmth, laughter, and humanity he brought to all of us. I feel very fortunate to have known him and to have been one of his students. May he rest in peace.
This news made me sad, but seeing Dr. Gale’s picture made me smile. He was always very kind and encouraging of me and my research. His high expectations of students and pride in our College were unmatched. He will be missed.
Reeve Abraben
Dr. Gale was a wonderful guy and in my perspective, the best professor the UF College of Dentistry ever had. He cared about teaching students ethical principals in addition to clinical excellence.
Class of 86
Dr. Gale was literally the first person I ever met at UFCD back when I started volunteering as a college student. He was always so kind, respectful, and hilarious. He was one of my favorite professors in dental school, and I will always remember how much he cared about the dental students. So sad to hear of his passing. Prayers and love to his family.
It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of someone we truly admired and appreciated. A wonderful friend whose kindness, strength, and generosity touched so many lives.
Some people leave behind memories. Others leave behind a lasting impact on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know them. Their friendship, wisdom, and presence will never be forgotten.
We are grateful for the time, conversations, laughter, and moments shared. The world is better for having Marc in it, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved them.
Our heartfelt condolences, prayers, and thoughts are with the family and everyone grieving this tremendous loss. May his memory eternal and continue to bring comfort, strength, and inspiration.
Love Roger and Cindy Daigen
Dr. Gale was my team leader at UFCD, and one of the most memorable people I had the privilege to learn from. He treated everyone on the team with respect and kept the environment professional…but he also made teaching look fun. You could tell he loved it, and watching him work made me think, for the first time, that teaching could be a great career.
He was sharp, and quick-witted in the best way. I’ll never forget his running commentary on my haircuts. My girlfriend at the time (now my wife) used to cut my hair to save me money, and the results were… uneven at best. Dr. Gale never let one slide without pointing out exactly what was off. We laughed about it every time.
Really memorable teacher, and an even better person. I was blessed to know him. Thank you Dr. Gale! -Tony Koagel UFCD c/o 2003
It is with deep sadness and heartfelt gratitude that I remember my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Marc Gale.
Marc was a gifted educator, a man of extraordinary generosity with an incredible sense of humor. For more than four decades at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, he shaped the minds and professional lives of generations of dentists. His influence lives on in the countless students he mentored, encouraged, and inspired to pursue excellence in patient care and service.
On a personal level, I will always be grateful to Marc for the role he played in my own journey. He served on the search committee when I applied for a faculty position at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. From the very beginning, he extended not only professionalism and thoughtful counsel, but warmth and encouragement. Over the years, our collegial relationship grew into a meaningful friendship, grounded in our shared love for dentistry, dental education, and above all, our students.
Marc had a rare gift for making neighbors into friends and friends into family. His kindness was steady, his humor thoughtful, and his presence reassuring. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing him were better for it.
Marc’s legacy is enduring: in the professorship that will continue to support future educators, in the students who carry forward his lessons, and in the many lives he touched with generosity and grace.
Marc will be deeply missed and forever remembered. RIP dear friend.
UFCD Class of ‘15 and Class of ‘18
Marc was a wonderful and dear friend. I first met Marc and his wonderful parents, Milton and Rose, in 1969. We became close friends and Marc and I have kept in contact over these many years. I remember how excited he was a when he announced that he had accepted a position in the School of Dentistry at the University Of Florida, Gainesville. All of his old friends in the Boston area will surely miss Marc-and his wonderful, infectious laugh!
Dr. Gale led a life of service. He never tired in his pursuit of excellence. He pushed everyone to be better. And he was hilarious. I know I’m a better dentist for having had Dr. Gale as an instructor. Bless you, Dr. Gale, and thank you.