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Ronald Dion Obituary

Age 61, Beloved husband of Patti (Underhill) Dion and devoted father of Tyson and Todd Dion, died unexpectedly on Friday, November 30, 2007. Born in Salem and a resident of Swampscott for more than 30 years, he was the son of Anita (Soucy) Dion and the late Victor Dion. Mr. Dion was a well-known businessman and civic leader in the City of Boston, and devoted a great deal of time and interest to supporting and advancing many causes within the community. Mr. Dion was the Chairman and CEO of R.M. Bradley & Co., Inc., a full service real estate firm and Chairman of the Board of John Hancock Mutual Funds. He was a member of the board of directors of BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. and served as Chairman of its Executive Compensation Committee and also sat on the Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Dion was a Director at Cramer Inc., Director of the New England Council and was the Past President of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board and the Building Owners and Managers Association. He was also a member of the Board of Governors of the former Boston Stock Exchange. A graduate of Boston College Law School and Boston University, Mr. Dion was a member of the Boston Bar Association and the Massachusetts Bar Association, a Trustee of Emmanuel College and served on the Advisory Board of the Carrol Graduate School of Management at Boston College. An avid golfer and sports fan, Mr. Dion was a member of the Tedesco Country Club for 34 years. He had a passion of exercise, having run many marathons and could always be seen cycling. A dog lover, his Yorkshire Terrier, PJ was often by his side. Mr. Dion is survived by his wife Patti; 2 sons, Tyson Dion and his fiancee Samantha Racki, and Todd Dion; his mother Anita P. Dion, a brother, Tom Dion and his wife Milena, a sister Debbie Dion and several nieces and nephews. His Funeral will be on Wednesday at 8:45 am from the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St., (Rt. 114/1-A) SALEM, followed by his Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, Humphrey St., Swampscott at 10 am. Visiting hours: Tuesday 4 to 8 pm. Burial will be in Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd, Norton, MA 02766. For guestbook and additional information please visit www.levesquefunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe on Dec. 3, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Dion

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Dick Tremblay

March 31, 2008

Dear Patti and Family,
I was looking up Ron on the web to see if knew of any hotels for sale in Boston and I was shocked to read the news. Although we have not been in touch for a long time, Ron and I went to school together and introduced him to caddying as a youth at Tedesco C.C. Needless to say his golf was an important part of his life. To let all of you know, Ron and I had a putting contest one evening at Tedesco when we were about 10 years old. I kept going double or nothing with him and I think he got me up to $35,000. I reminded him of that just a few months ago and he said to me, I'll bet you don't remember where that took place. I did'nt hesitate with my reply....9th green upper level of the green. Never had a chance to talk about our good times as kids.
His best buddy as a youth,
Dick Tremblay

Richard DeAgazio

December 16, 2007

I have been away and just learned about Ron's passing today. My sincere condolances to the Dion Family. Ron was one of my recent mentors although only for the last 5 years. He has helped me to move through some difficult decisions. A very kind and gentle man. He told me to live each day like it would be your last. Who would have believed he would be taken from us so soon. Ron, you will be missed by all that you have touched, personally and professionally.

John Stemniski

December 12, 2007

Deepest sympathy to the Dion Family. I was associated with Ron through the practice facility at Tedesco. He was always pleasant and fun to be around. He was one of my favorites. I will miss him and his presence on the range.Our son Peterplayed hockey with Tyson.
May he Rest in Peace

Barry Shames

December 9, 2007

Although I only knew Ron for these last five years, I found him to be a very caring and giving person. I will miss seeing him when I come to Boston for the various BU Hockey related activities. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children.

Jayson Riley

December 8, 2007

I had the pleasure of working with Ron on the John Hancock Mutual Fund Board for a few years. He was a great guy and will be missed. My deepest sympathies are with you and all of his family.

John Cappadona

December 8, 2007

Ron was a great guy and while I lost touch with him over the years as our paths changed I will always remember him as a friend and a first class leader.

Bryan Park

December 7, 2007

To the Dion Family,
I am very sorry for your loss... this was definitely unexpected. Ron was my first boss out of college during the early 90's and I remember him being very passionate about his job, RM Bradley, his running, and BU Terriers hockey. I saw Ron a few years ago during a Boston visit at his office. He was very friendly, cordial and remembered me as if it were still 1991. He will definitely be missed...

Rebecca Wheaton (Giambanco/Talbot)

December 7, 2007

I had the pleasure of working for Ron back in the early 90s. One of my memories that I still talk about today was the "Annual Turkey Trot" on the day before Thanksgiving each year. I wasn't a runner, but I respected the bonding that he was trying to teach us... He will be missed and fondly remembered.

Walter McHendry

December 6, 2007

To Ron Dion's Family: Ron was a great friend of ours on & off the busness field. Sue, our son Matt & I will miss him from our homes in California. The Boston Business Comunity has lost a great advocate & as well as a Leader...All the best in your hour of sorrow & sadness...please stay strong as you should know Ron affected many lives now & in the future. The McHendry family will always have found memories of Ron as a wonderful human being. Sue, Walt, & Matt

Bert Mitchell

December 5, 2007

To Ron’s Family,

I just returned from Boston to attend Ron’s wake & funeral services, and I am still in a state of shock and disbelief. So I can only imagine the difficulties that the family must be going through at this time.

I hope our prayers will empower you with the hope and strength to endure this enormous loss.

I served with Ron on the BJ’s Board for many years and was inspired by his brilliance and commitment , and most of all was touched by his friendship

Deborah Robinson - Lurie

December 5, 2007

Ron was a leader in every sense of the word yet he was also approachable and encouraged you to be the best you could be. I had the privilege of working for Ron right out of college in the 80's and he was my first mentor. He had much to teach about so many things. He will be missed.

Tim O'Brien

December 5, 2007

Dear Dion Family, you wouldn't know me but your husband and father was someone I caddied for back in the late 60's and early 70's. Seeing his Francis Ouimet Memorial was so fitting for Ron. He nurtured the young kids to become excellent caddies and people and his golf game was not the most important thing to him while you we're spending those four hours together. From writing this it's obvious he had a profound influence on people all through his life. It would be a tribute to anyone to be remembered this way. Thanks for the memories Ron . Tim O'Brien

Susan McClellan

December 5, 2007

I worked Ron in the 80's and he was a great guy. We often talked about Kelly's on Revere Beach. He was always very kind and a very honorable man.

Rich Polins

December 5, 2007

Our deepest sympathies are extended to the entire Dion family. Ron's enthusasism, professionalism, humor, fairness and fight for the underdog will be forever missed.

Helen Peters

December 4, 2007

Ron was a man of great integrity, who through hard work and probing questions, made the rest of us step up and accomplish more than expected. I consider it an honor to have known Ron and served with him several boards. Ron's passing leaves a big hole in both our minds and our hearts. I can only hope that in this sad time, his family, friends, and colleagues are somewhat comforted by the wonderful memories they all must share.

Katy Morse

December 4, 2007

My deepest sympathies to the Dion family. Ron was a dear friend of my dad's. Always kind, encouraging and generous, in my mind he was almost mythical as "The Man Who Shared His Red Sox Tickets." Many thanks.

Spencer Macalaster

December 4, 2007

Having worked with Ron for many years in the 80's at RM Bradley I will never forget our long runs and how Ron pushed me to be better every. I will miss seeing him around the Boston business circles.

Ann Navon

December 4, 2007

Dear Patti, Todd, and Tyson,
Please accept our condolences for your loss. May you all find the strength it takes to get through this sadness. Your neighbors,
The Navon's

Pamela Seisman

December 4, 2007

I am greatly sorry for your loss. May the strength of the Lord help to ease your sorrow.
I will keep you in my prayers.

Richard Holbrook

December 4, 2007

My colleagues and I at Eastern Bank want to extned our deepest sympathies to the Dion family. Ron was a great friend and long-time loyal corporator of Eastern Bank Corporation. He was also a leader in the greater Boston business community, and his impact was widespread and universally positive. He will be greatly missed.

Kristen Stachowski

December 3, 2007

To The Dion Family:

I am so sorry for your loss. Ron will be rembered as a great leader. I am honored to have worked at RM Bradley and to know Ron. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

LtGen Norman Smith

December 3, 2007

With admiration and respect to you Ron, and the deepest of sympathies to your family as they know God is embracing you.

Dick DeWolfe

December 3, 2007

At every BU hockey game, in golf events, at charity chicken dinners and through our love of real estate you were the constant, the smile the laugh the easy manner that made you beloved...we will miss the simple friendship of a civil Bostonian.

Ted Stanton

December 3, 2007

I'm going to miss you. Holiday's won't be the same.

Joyce Mahoney

December 3, 2007

To The Dion Family-

My sincerest sympathy to you all, I had the pleasure of working with Ron and I will remember him as an energetic and dedicated Chairman of John Hancock's Board of Trustees. I know Ron will be greatly missed.

Paul O'Brien

December 3, 2007

Patti, Ty. Todd: My prayers are with you. As you know your Ron was a special person & I valued his friendship.He leaves a legacy of accomplishment & humanity ,a combination rarely seen these days. all his mant friends will miss him almost as much as you will. Warmest regards Paul O'Brien

carol Ayotte

December 3, 2007

Patti I was so sorry to hear about Ronnie. He was so physically fit. I am in Florida and Suzanne is having a baby today or I would be there. Love to you and the boys Carol Ayotte

James Coppersmith

December 3, 2007

My friend and my brother, I will never forget his kindness to me and the wonderful times we shared on the golf course, in the boardroom and just hanging out..my heart goes out to the family and all who loved him.. Jim Coppersmith

Edward Boudreau

December 3, 2007

You always told me that "life was not a dress rehearsal" and then followed with "make everyday count". You will always be remembered my friend as one of the good guys. I will miss our frequent calls and luncheon meetings and walks on the course. The loss of your energy is already felt. You did make every day count but from my perspective there weren't enough days for you. I will see you someday in the next level and I will buy lunch. God bless you and take you into his kingdom.

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