FUNERAL HOME

Beers & Story Funeral Home - Belchertown

10 Maple Street

Belchertown, Massachusetts

George Dion Obituary

George Edward Dion aka Moose, born 17 Aug 1942 in Holyoke MA passed away Thursday evening 1 Sept 2016 due to heart failure. In death he returns to the Savior whom he served and to the embrace of his beloved wife and soulmate of over 38 years Sylvia B. Dion who left for heaven 24 June 2016 in order to get their new home in the Pines set up. George was preceded by his parents Armand and Germaine Dion, his siblings Armand Dion Jr., Ronald Dion, and Richard Dion. George served his country honorably from 1960 - 1963 as a Damage Controlman 3rd Class (DC3) in the US Navy stationed out of Norfolk VA aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence CVA-62 and participated in the US response to the Cuban Missile Crisis. After leaving the US Navy George worked as a commercial driver for the Teamster union for over 20 yrs before coming to work for the state of Massachusetts where he worked for another 20 years as a supervisor at the Belchertown State School, a groundskeeper at the Quabbin Cemetery, and a Ranger for the MDC. In 2003 he retired from service to the State of Massachusetts.Additionally, George was extremely active in his local community and politics. He was the co-founder of Pine Valley Cooperative Corporation and its first President having served from 1986-1992. He was a past Senior Vice Commander of the DAV, an active member of the Elks lodge, and a former member of Masons Fraternal Organization at Vernon Lodge in Belchertown, MA, as well as a York Right Shriner out of Springfield MA. He served as a member of the Hampshire County Deputy Sheriffs Association, was on the Board of the Belchertown Council on Aging, and the Belchertown Housing Authority, and an active leader with the Belchertown Senior Center. He served actively on the campaigns of many elected officials from both parties as well as those running for positions from Pine Valley to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts including the efforts of his close friend Alfred Rocanti who assumed the duties of Pine Valley President in 1992 to Senator Stephen Brewer of Massachusetts and numerous others. George was also a dedicated member of St Francis Catholic Church in Belchertown Ma and a man that truly lived his faith and commitment to service. George is survived by his sister, Rena Dion of Chicopee as well as his children, son Richard R. Dion and his wife Angela of Knoxville, TN, daughter Teresa M. Dion of Marble Falls, TX, and son Christopher G. Dion, and his wife Luche of San Antonio, TX. He is also survived by his step children Donna Shuman and her husband Gary of South Windsor CT, Sandra Borbone and her husband Joe of Worcester, MA, and David Hudson and his wife Shirley of Uxbridge MA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Lisa, Brittany, Aaron, April and Bradley of TN, and John Edward Dion of TX, Craig, Mathew, Michael Shuman of CT, Joshua, Adam, and Rebecca, and Sarah as well as 15 great grandchildren. It is said that a man’s measure lies not in his own height but in how he lifts others. His worth lies not in his finances but in how he enriches the lives of those around him and his wisdom lies not in the degrees on his wall but in how others learn from his example. If this is so then George is the tallest, richest, wisest man who many of us will ever know and he was blessed with an angel that gave him a love story to rival Shakespeare. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016 starting at 9am at Beers and Story Belchertown Funeral Home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Francis Church. Burial will follow in Quabbin Park Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Thursday, September 8, 2016 from 4-7pm. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Belchertown Senior Center. For further information please visit beersandstory.com.

Published by The Republican from Sep. 4 to Sep. 7, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
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I STTILL THINK OF GEORGIE, THE GENTLE GIANT, SO VERY OFTEN. WHEN I TEXT DEBORAH WE OFTEN SAY HOW MUCH WE STILL MISS HIM. HE WAS CERTAINLY A FORCE TO BE RECONDED WITH. LOVE AND MISS HIM, ALWAYS COUSIN JUSTINE.

JUSTINE MCKENNA

August 30, 2023

Georgie, as his cousins called him, was a most loving AND funny guy. I miss him; I miss his humor ;-)

Eileen Turner

Family

August 29, 2022

George you were very welcoming to everyone. Met you camping years ago. We joined the group and were friends for many years. Enjoyed our time together when you visited us in Florida. Thank you for all the stories and fun times. We even shared the same Aunt. What a mall world. We will miss you Bob and Cecile

Cecile and Bob Kraus

September 9, 2016

Thankyou George for making Pine Valley a great place to live and sell homes in.
Pine Valley Sales Agents ~ Pat,Stella & Sandi

Pat Mc

September 9, 2016

George , you were a blessing to Pine Valley Plantation and you will be missed and also because you are just a great guy .

Ingmar and marci Eggen

September 8, 2016

On behalf of the Board of Selectmen, please accept our prayers and condolences. George was such a large presence in Town ... both physically and figuratively! In honor of his contributions to the Town, the Board has lowered the Town Seal Flag to half-staff. Hopefully, this small token of appreciation will express our deep gratitude for all that he has done for the Town. He will be greatly missed!

Ron Aponte

September 8, 2016

George, I will remember you always. You were a amazing man. I'll miss you.

Lyn Adams

September 7, 2016

I had the pleasure of working with George through the Belchertown Housing Authority for the last few years. He was our Chairperson for the Board of Commissioners. What a great man. I'm not sure what we will do without him. He always kept our board meetings on track and had a joke to share. He will be greatly missed by all of our residents and staff.

Kathleen Piquette

September 7, 2016

George you were an awe some man,a great veteran,and a wonderful husband who took great care of his wife and loved her ever so much.A good man who God has wrapped his arms around and taken you to heaven.never loss for words of advice or a helping hand with our vets so Bless'd and proud to have you as my cousin and Veteran love you George hugs to all R.I.P. my Brother Semper Fi.see you on the other side.

wayne plouffe

September 7, 2016

george will be sadly missed he was such a sweet man.

cheryl

September 6, 2016

Georgie, How I miss you already! You always made me feel so special - as though I actually hung the moon. You were simply that generous of heart, my dear friend. My only solace is knowing that you are together with Sylvia again. And this makes my heart happy and a little less broken. Xoxo

Kim Rossi

September 6, 2016

So very sorry to read this. We just saw him at the family picnic. Our sincere sympathies to the family. Ron & Linda Paul

September 6, 2016

Ron and Sherry
We are caring hearts and willing hands ready to support you right now God Bless Vicki and Aunt Helena

September 6, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Billy and Cindy Casaldi

September 6, 2016

SHERRY & RON DION, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR UNCLE GEORGE, HE WAS A GREAT MAN,

JOHN&ROSE HANECAK

September 6, 2016

George will be deeply missed by the Belchertown Council on Aging. He was a true advocate of those organizations he was passionate about. To his family I offer a comforting thought to remember your wonderful Dad/Grandfather/Great Grandfather:
Those we love don't go away;
They walk beside us every day;
Unseen, unheard, but always near;
Still loved, still missed and always dear.
God's speed George. You were truly a dear man always thinking of others. I will be miss you at our Board Meetings.
Maura

September 5, 2016

God Bless you, Georgie! I love you, too. Guilty am I of taking so much time, because of my hectic life trying to take care of hail damage, to poetically write and send the condolence card for Sylvia. In it I started, "Georgie, how are you?" Shame on me for not finishing it but, knowing you, you would have excused my belatedness with love. I will miss you AND your jokes!

Eileen Turner

September 5, 2016

Georgie was a BIG personality who was a big part of my grandparents/mothers life. I'm so sorry for his loss and am praying for those that were so close to him. I'm sure he's happy to be back with his wife, Sylvia. I'm sure he's in Heaven being the same BIG personality he was here on earth!

Michelle Mullen

September 5, 2016

PSALM 32, JERMIAH 29:11. NOW DRIVING 18 WHEEL CHARIOTS. GOD BLESSED HIM AND NOW I ASK GOD TO BESS ALL WHO REMAIN HERE STILL.

ELEANOR FISH

September 5, 2016

The world has lost a gentle giant of a man...my dear cousin Georgie. Who will send all of those great E-Mails on every possible subject you can think of. I will miss him so much along with many more people that he counted as friends...safe journey home. Love Justine and family who enjoyed meeting him at the family picnic this Summer.

JUSTINE MCKENNA

September 5, 2016

RIP George E. Dion, Awesome Accomplishments In Your Life , Sir & U Leave 3 Awesome Children to Carry On! God Bless & Keep U

Sheila Soto

September 5, 2016

I will miss the best man ever. My dad

Teresa Dion

September 4, 2016

tatiana koski

September 4, 2016

My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. I know there was a joyous reunion in heaven with all those who went before. I'll miss my cousin dearly and remember all the fun we had golfing, visiting, and chatting on the phone. Who is going to send me all those political e- mails now?

Debbie Askwith

September 4, 2016

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