JOHN K. DINEEN

I was lucky to meet John Dineen when I visited his daughter Jessica at the family compound in Maine. John was so interested in everyone he met - from what book a person was reading on the dock to their full family history. He took us to dinner and made sure his guests got the best lake view. He was always charming and gregarious, the most wonderful host. I am so grateful that I got to know him a little bit. I will always remember him fondly. Condolences to the whole family.

I was doing some research on the Boston Wharf Co. and just learned of the death of Mr. Dineen. I was a transportation reporter and a development reporter for The Boston Globe from the early `90s through 2008 and had only a few occasions to speak with Mr. Dineen. He was very professional and kind to me. My belated sympathies to the family. Tom

My wife and I were able to spend a week with John Dineen in Ireland, along with some of his life-long friends. What a treat! In that one week, we felt as though we learned a lifetime of stories, perspectives and insights from John, stories and experiences that we continue to share with friends five years later. I recall one of the first comments I heard him utter was on the flight to Ireland. He asserted that if the box they were to bury him in was no larger than the seating space allowed on...

Have known John since 1975 when I joined Apollo, living roughly twelve blocks from John's Beacon St condo, have had occasion to chauffeur him to rehearsals and gigs in recent years; lots of reflections, insights, special moments, just too many to share here, but one going way back, when I was Apollo's president and inclined to be a bit too rambunctious, John reminded me "Remember Huhta, I'm the chairman of the nominating committee...!" He loved the music and all of our leaders, Flossie...

John was a true renaissance man. There was very little in life that did not interest him, or which he did not master. One of his greatest talents was in making and keeping good friends. Often he would invite them to join him in his interests - the Apollo Club, the Benners Hotel project, the Board of Lynn Catholic Charities, and many many other worthy projects. As an attorney, John was able to do just about anything, and enjoyed taking on the most interesting projects.

Come to think...

Very grateful for all the support John Dineen provided the Nahant Public Library over the years, both as a trustee and through the Apollo Club. He was a man of wit and class. Our condolences to his friends and family from the board, staff, Friends, and the director of the Library.

My heartfelt condolences to the family and many friends of Mr. Dineen. Although I did not know Mr. Dineen, I was very moved by this beautiful tribute to an incredible man. His life was filled with so many roads taken, journeys embraced, and friendships formed, that I was immediately drawn into the colorful images of old Boston (my hometown) and an Ireland I have not yet visited. A life well lived. How wonderful was his embrace of family.