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Gary Dineen Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Dineen
patty dineen
October 29, 2006
patty dineen
Robert Traynor
August 26, 2006
I just learned of Gary Dineen's passing, and however many months it has been, my own sympathies go to his family and friends. I never played for him, but as a long time Springfield-area hockey fan I knew the impact his name and presence had on the sport in the Valley. Hockey would have been a lot different without him; we can only hope his values and teachings will live on.
patty dineen
May 16, 2006
Dear friends: I just discovered this wonderful website. Thank you all for your kind words on behalf of my dear husband. Love, Patty
Ron Gallagher
May 11, 2006
Gary- your legacy will live on forever. The values you passed on to others will be handed down from this generation to the next. My family was deeply touched by the way you interacted with our severely disabled son and the generous package of gifts you showered on him shortly after meeting him. We will never forget that wonderful fall day at our home in Williamstown where we had the pleasure of meeting your family and begin to witness first-hand the positive influence you had on so many others . You are truly one of the great ones!
Ron Gallagher
Paul LeBlanc
April 24, 2006
Sadly I learned only very recently of Gary's passing. We were teammates and linemates on Loyola High School (Montreal) championship teams in the late '50s, each team led by Gary. Even at that young age, 12-16 years, students from the on campus university would attend games to marvel at his skill. Games were reported in Montreal's major daily and Gary was regularly featured. He was on the city-wide first all-star team annually. He always had an uncanny knack for knowing where everyone was on the ice.
Years later I beecame a high school Guidance Counsellor at our alma mater and invited Gary to vist our class. He made a huge impression as the star of Canada's Olympic entry. When I subsequently contacted him in Europe seeking his thoughts on the importance and role of a permanenet Canadian national team, as content for a school debating team, Gary responded with a 9-page handwritten letter composed at 3 a.m. on a Sunday as he indicates in the letter, eloquently presenting his views. His comments are still valid today.
How inspiring it is to read of the impact his coaching and managing style had on players and team officials. We were both very influenced in our formative and later years by one of our coaches, Fr. Bob MacDougall, S.J.. Father Bob would have been so proud to learn of Gary's impact on others, as I am to have been associated with him.
Paul LeBlanc, Montreal
Loyola High School '60
Dr. and Mrs. James R. Kittrell and family
April 16, 2006
To Pattie, Katie and the Dineen Family we offer our sincere condolences. We are very saddened to learn of your loss, however, on this lovely Easter Day we feel joyous that his suffering has ended. He will be missed by many and remembered always in our hearts. Gary and the Gary Dineen Hockey School have meant so very much to our family. Our four children, Jeff, Keith, Scott and Dianne all attended the hockey school, starting in the late 70's, and now two of our grandsons, C.J. and Brad, have been attending (coming from Texas) for the last few years. Their Father, Our oldest son, successfully played hockey at Michigan State partly due to the lessons of hard work and fair play taught at GD hockey school and the Pics. All have benefitted from the wonderful life's lessons taught by Gary and the Coaches there. We have many wonderful memories of hockey school experiences that are treasures of the heart that we will continue to cherish always. We are certain that Lincoln will do a fine job of continuing in the traditions that Gary taught so that many more youth can continue to benefit. Katie, your Dad was so proud of you and never failed to let us know how well you were doing in college. Our prayers are with you.
Meghan Liljedahl
April 13, 2006
Mrs. Dineen and Katie,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Dineen's passing. He was a wonderful man and a great coach - my cousins attended the hockey school when they were younger. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Meghan E. Liljedahl
The Marshall Family
April 10, 2006
My family and extended family have been fortunate enough to attend Gary's camp on the Cape for the past several years.The camp at Gallo Arena has been a highlight of our summers for years.His legacy and spirit will carry on through all the kids he has coached.
Jeff Buchholz
April 10, 2006
Patty,
I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I just found out yesterday. He was a great man and will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
JOHNNY LUSZCZ
April 7, 2006
DEAR PATTY& KATIE IAM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF GARYS PASSING. I WAS AWAY SO I COULD NOT ATTEND THE SERVICES FOR HIM BUT HE WAS IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS . HE WAS A GREAT PERSON AND A WONDERFUL COACH .HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED ,NOBODY WILL EVER BE ABLE TO FILL HIS SHOES.
Carole Dineen
April 6, 2006
Dear Family,
Saddened by your loss of a dear one. Gary and I are first cousins, my son is named Gary Belanger and your Gary was his godfather. Sorry we lost touch over the years. You are all in my prayers.
Dawn & Kevin Brolin
April 6, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this very tough time. Our family watched Jonathon on many occasions play for Gary. The DiSalvatores always spoke highly of Gary, a direct reflection of his character as most player parents aren't fond of coaches. We wish you the best.
Sherri Schwartz
April 5, 2006
To the Dineen Family,
Our son Evan has had the opportunity to be a part of Gary's Hockey School in our town of West Hartford for many summers. He was always most thrilled when Gary came to visit. We thank you for the opportunities Gary has given children, to learn and play the game they love. He will be so missed.
Arvid Sundquist
April 5, 2006
We all will dearly miss Gary Dineen, he wasn't about wins and losses he truly cared about taking young boys and giving them direction to become fine young men. His mission was accomplished for so many and the legacy will live on and on thru their many accomplishments. Gary really made a difference for so many of us.
bill grady
April 5, 2006
Dear katie and family:
I knew your dad over the years when I lived in West Springfield and remember when we discussed the pros and cons of sending you to Suffield Academy, as my two children had attended the Academy for four years. Gary wanted nothing but the best for you and aside from all of his other achievments in life, his family and his desire to provide you with the best opportunities possible were his number one concern. After your first year at Suffield I remember one morning your dad smiling and telling me that he was so proud of you and how you were thriving at Suffield. You made him proud.
Donna Moran
April 5, 2006
Dineen family
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband, father and brother. Although I did not know Gary personally I felt I did when Wendy spoke of him and his family. Peace to you all and may he rest in peace.
Carolyn Monique
April 5, 2006
Dear Patty, Katie, Wendy, Mike and Family
You are all in our thoughts. Celebrate and remember the good times.
Carolyn Monique & Gil Dawson
April 4, 2006
To Patty and Family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss
and my wish for your peace in the near future.
Always was and will remain a friend.
Rico Girard
Sal Fiore( The Voice)
April 4, 2006
"Gary -You were Special". I still cant beleive the Impact that you had on me as a person. I have been as Gary would always say to me ,or asking on the phone to my family if " The Voice was in " of his organization for the last 7 Years. I always respected that man So Much from the seasons when my son tried out twice for his program to his speaches at the Enfield Hockey Association Banquets where he would donate weeks to his Hockey School . Becoming The Voice has made me very proud to be a part of Gary,s Legacy. He certainly left a Huge part of himself with his Family , His Hockey Family(Lincoln Flagg and the Staff) as well as all the Players and Hockey Players whose lives that Gary has touched. We are all better people because of you- Mr. Dineen.
Colombo and Karen DiSalvatore
April 4, 2006
There are few men in this world like Gary Dineen. We were blessed to have known him as a very dear friend. He was a coach and mentor to our son, Jonathan, and many, many other young athletes. His philosophy of life and his emphasis on character have been imprinted on our hearts. He leaves a legacy of what true success is all about. We knew him as the loving husband of Patty and just about as proud a dad as there could be to Katie. We wish to thank these two wonderful ladies for sharing him with all of us. We will miss him tremendously, his caring conversations, his never ending passion for helping develop young people into productive citizens as well as hockey players, his always encouraging words, his sense of humor and wonderful stories. We will even miss him singing "O Canada" at the annual hockey banquet. What a huge heart he had! He touched so many and made them all feel special. That indeed is rare today. We thank God for putting Gary in our lives. Now may he rest in peace with Our Lord and maybe organize a Hockey School in heaven with Father Bauer and St. Peter.
Our heartfelt love and prayers to Patty, Katie, Lincoln, Gene and family.
Sincerely, Colombo and Karen
Michael Beavis
April 4, 2006
As a Junior Player in the late 70's and a former Gary Dineen Hockey School Graduate I would like to express my deepest Symphathy to the families and friends that are all saddned by this great loss. Gary is one of the reasons that I became involved in coaching at the youth and Junior levels. He has done so much for so many and we have all been so lucky to have him touch our lives and share his knowledge and kindness. The entire organization of the Syracuse Stars Hockey program will keep you in thier thoughts....
Wanda Dineen
April 4, 2006
Patty, Katie, Wendy and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Gary Belanger
April 4, 2006
Dear Patty, Katie, Wendy and family,
Although I barely knew Gary as we lost touch with him when I was but a young child, I still hold fawn memories of him. From what I have been able to learn about him today in the news, he was a very special man, highly respected in the sport of hockey.
May it bring you comfort to know that his few remaining relatives in the Montreal area are deeply saddened by Gary's passing.
(Gary's Godson, son of Carole Dineen)
April 4, 2006
To the Dineen and Falcon families:
A great loss.
The Berkshire Bruins
wayne mosdell
April 4, 2006
Just heard about Gary. As what to say, I am not eloquent enough to say the right things. To know Gary was fun, and I offer my condolences. Wayne and Marla Mosdell
Barry MacDonald
April 4, 2006
He was a great hockey player, an excellent coach and an even more accomplished person, who touched and often greatly impacted a very large number of individuals, most of whom would say that they are far better people because of Gary Dineen.
There was an Appreciation Dinner held in June 2004 that was an incredible eye-opener for me about how successful Gary had been in his vocation. It was a far more articulate and much more insightful testimonial to Gary than many famous athletes or actors or prominent politicians could ever hope to receive.
Gary truly left an indelible mark, with a life well-lived and much appreciated by everyone that came in contact with him.
Because he was so special, it makes it all the more difficult for Patty and Katie and Wendy to lose him; but you can be very proud of him and he would want you all to be sure to " keep your heads up ".
I'm terribly sorry I can't be there for the final " celebration ".
Sincerely,
Barry
Carol Marshall
April 4, 2006
I was introduced to Gary in the late 70's at the old Ivanhoe Steak House in West Springfield...we learned right off he was a special guy..all of us waitress and cook and managers went on Sunday's (our day off) to go watch Gary and the Pic's play!What a genuine coach and mentor to these very lucky boys who would turn out to be some of the finest coaches and players anywhere! Then we would find out he met Patty and the story continues....these were some of the memories i have of Gary and just recently i saw an article about him and emailed him and i got a warm and friendly email back and i treasure it always.My sympathies to Patty and Katie and all who know him! I am sure Sammy the beloved cook at the Ivanhoe is serving Gary up with a large sirloin up in heaven!I will always remember Gary Dineen!! Love, Carol(Muskrat)Marshall
Sharon & Bob Smallhorn
April 4, 2006
Dear Patty, Katie, Wendy and family,
Bob and I were deeply saddened today to read of Gary’s passing.
We were delighted to have had a number of wonderful chats with him from Oakville and the Cape in recent years.
Gary, Bob and I go back to grade school together at St. Malachy’s in Montreal, also part of “the gang” playing hockey at McDonald Park every winter … as an aside, I recall being his daily goalie target in his garage on Coolbrooke, remembering too the good times we had at St. Gabriel de Brandon, and always following his successful hockey days from Montreal to Massachusetts.
We were honored to have him as a true friend and, importantly, our BEST MAN 40 years ago.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Grey
April 4, 2006
Patty & Katie,
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. Gary was such a passionate individual and taught me a lot about priorities, developing passion for helping others, and about the game of hockey itself. He was truly an inspiration, and wise friend. While our son never played for Gary--nevertheless, Gary's presence and passion had a big effect on CJ's development of a passion for the game of soccer. Gary will truly be missed. We wish you the best.
Peg, Chuck, CJ & Jill Grey
Grey PT & Sports Medicine Ctr.
Enfield, CT
Jack Mortimer
April 4, 2006
To Patty & Katie,
We feel blessed to have known Gary Dineen. We cannot express sufficiently our gratitude for all he did for Mike - "Morty". His legacy will live on through the young men and women whose lives he touched. The world has truly lost a great man, but is a much better place because he was here. Our sincere condolences.
The Mortimer Family
Jack, Dorine, Mike, Kevin, Matt, Julie
George Monique and family
April 4, 2006
May it help you to know that others are keeping you close in thought during this sad time.
Kevin Dineen and Linda
April 4, 2006
Sending our thoughts of peace and comfort to help you through this difficult time.
Sarah Fletcher
April 4, 2006
Dear Katie, Mrs. Dineen and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father and husband. I only met him a few times, but he was always so nice. I still remember when he gave me a pair of his hockey shorts (a long time ago). I'll always think of him when I wear them. Please accept my sincere condolences at this difficult time.
Love, Sarah (Suffield Academy)
Stephen Jones
April 4, 2006
To Patty, Katie and the entire Dineen family; the one year that Nicholas played for the Falcon organization was/has been the most meaningful of his hockey career and young adult life. Nicholas can speak for himself, but his mother and I want to thank you for allowing Gary to have such a positive influence on Nick. He was fortunate both on and off the ice to have expirenced Gary. Our very deepest sympathy to you, and the Falcon Organization.
Michael Holubowich
April 4, 2006
To the Dineen Family,
My prayers go out to each and every one of you. You lost a great man, who will be sorely missed and never forgotten. God Bless
Dan Hunter
April 4, 2006
Thanks, Coach!!!
April 3, 2006
Patty and Katie,
My family and I are so sorry for the passing of Gary. I knew him from the day when my dad said to me " Do you want to go to the Gary Dineen Hockey School, I was 10 and said, What's that? 30 seconds later after he explained I said yes, that was 1973. The best move I ever made. Actually made his team later on, One of my personal highlights was when waiting to find out if I would make his team, Gary said "you can skate"
Gary may have passed on, but to truly understand what he has passed on, is to look in the eyes of the many young kids that are being coached from Gary's hockey school alumni, his previous players and students of life and hockey. His coaching will live forever, Gary will always continue to coach because of the unselfish belief in life and hockey he has passed on to so many.
Coach Jim,
and the many Hockey players that will learn from him.
Pat Dubee
April 3, 2006
I didn't know Gary that well, but I knew him from a distance as a youngster when he was one of the best hockey players to come out of McDonald Park and Loyola High School in Montreal. What a talented athlete, gentleman and scholar.
Loyola has seen its fair share of very good athletes, but Gary stands out from the rest. Those of us who knew him from his high school days followed his career with great pride.
It is heartening to hear how he reached out and touched so many lives. May he rest in peace.
Michael Fleury
April 3, 2006
Patty and Katie:
We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers.
Michael and Janice Fleury
TAMIE Russell OLIVEIRA
April 3, 2006
Patty &Katie . we are so sorry about your loss .he will be sadly missed by all.he was a great person and he will always be remembered.
Anne K
April 2, 2006
To the Dineen family,
I remember when he was a player and a coach for Springfield. I always admired his work. A friend of mine who recently passed away Jan 1, Gene O'donnell told me that he never knew anyone that did so much with young people in the hockey world. He had written an article awhile back about Gary which Gene had shared with me. He told me how much he admired Gary as a friend that was totally dedicated to his family and hockey. Gary is gone but will never be forgotten.
Gary, when u meet St. Peter at the Pearly Gates give Gene a hug for me and tell him I miss him so.
Gary --RIP
Debi and Rob Vrolyk
April 2, 2006
To Patty, Katie, and all those lucky enough to have been touched by Gary
It is said that when it came time for the Greeks to say good-bye to a companion, they asked whether the person had passion. And so it was with Gary, for there can be no question that he had two passions in his life: one was his ladies (Patty and Katie) and the other was hockey - more precisely, how hockey could be used to prepare players for the game of life.
I never had a chance to either play with Gary or play for Gary, but we sure as heck made sure our boys did. They are not only better on the ice but also off the ice because of the lessons that Gary taught them. Most importantly, he taught them that it wasn't as important to win as it was to win the right way.
What we will surely miss will be his quick wit and repetoire of stories. Every spring would bring another round of good spirited bantering up in the crow's nest over players on the ice trying out for next year's team.
It seemed that when hockey was over, he couldn't wait to get back home with his ladies. Thank-you Patty and Katie for sharing so much of him with us. We doubt very much that he will be forgotten, and so his spirit will continue to live on as each new generation of hockey players learns Gary's philosophy from those who already believe.
A mind once stretched with new ideas can never return to its original state. Gary certainly challenged everyone he met to be the best they could be because that's exactly how he led his life.
We'll miss you...
Kris, Tyler, Drew, Robbie,
M H
April 2, 2006
I was a very nervous and intimidated little kid when I was thrown into his hockey school in 1975 or 76. I still remember the utter kindness of Mr. Dineen as he personally taught me to skate backwards, something I just couldn't get the hang of. He was a patient and compassionate person who will leave a tremendous legacy in the world of hockey. What a loss.
Mitch Korn
April 2, 2006
It's a sad day for everyone who was impacted by Gary...and all those who won't have the opportunity to be coached by him. My season with the "Pics" in Springfield was one of the best years of my life, and the primary reason I am coaching today. He will be missed, but fondly remembered
Rich Herchenreder
April 2, 2006
Deepest sympathies to the Dineen family for this loss to the community of youth hockey. Gary has touched our young peoples' lives and his spirit will live on in the thousands of players and families who carry on his passion for our game. On behalf of Franklin County Hockey Association and our numerous players who have attended Gary's schools or gone on to play for Gary's teams; our memories and prayers are with you.
Marty Hainsey
April 2, 2006
To Patty, Katie, and the Dineen Family,
There is an old saying, In life it does not matter how much money you have or how big of a house you live in or the make of car you drive the only thing that will matter is were you able to make a difference in someone's life. This is Gary Dineen and the difference he has made in the life of those he came in contact with and knew him will live on forever. Gary was the Wayne Gretzky of life he made everyone around him better. I was with him one day when he was talking to a group of parents and he was explaining he could not create a player with the necessary talent to become a professional hockey player, they are born. He went on to explain that what he could do was work with someone who has that ability to bring out the best in the individual. My son Ron attend his summer camps since age 8 and played on Gary's Junior Team before before going onto Team USA, College, AHL, and NHL. I can tell you none of that would have been possible without Gary's influence and guidence to both Ron and I. All day Saturday I thought about what a tremendous loss Gary's passing will be to all of New England Hockeys past, present, and future. Then I considered that since I've known Gary there has not been a week that's gone by without a conversation somehow involving Gary Dineen's name. Then I came to realize that Gary's influence will live on forever being passed on by his Coaches, Camps, Players, and Families like mine who's lives have been changed forever as a result of his influence and guidance.
Marty, Kerry, Ron, and Katie Hainsey
Bill Johnston
April 2, 2006
We lostA great one in GARRY
Peter Masters
April 2, 2006
At my first EJHL meeting in 1999 (I was 26) I made sure when we broke for dinner that I got a seat at Gary's table and better yet tried to sit right next to him. He was what I hoped to be after 30 years of coaching and I wanted to meet him and pick his brain that night. Becuase he was the guru. It was one of a few dinners we shared together over the next few yers and I will never forget some of the stories and advice he gave to me that night. I watched how he ran his orgainzation and hockey team and I have used that as the blue print and the gold standard for my teams. I wish I had been lucky enough to have had more dinners with him.
I am so thankful I got a chance to talk with him and introduce him to my wife a few weeks ago at the playoffs and again he told some great stories that I had never heard before which i will not forget.
I know one day we will all get a chance to sit down and share a meal with him again. He will truley be missed.
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