JOHN W. DALTON M.D.

1944 - 2024

DALTON, John W. M.D. Dr. John Wilfred Dalton, of Quincy and formerly of Milton, peacefully passed away, on December 21, 2024, at the age of 80, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 3, 1944, in Boston, Massachusetts, John was the sole child of the late John and Alice Dalton. Losing his mother at the age of six in a tragic accident, John developed an early understanding of the fragility of life. This fueled his lifelong dedication to serving others, embodying the belief that every moment is a gift. After his mother's passing, he was raised by his devoted and loving aunt Grace McCarron, a dedicated schoolteacher who nurtured his love for education and instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance. John's academic journey led him to Msr. Coyle Cassidy High School in Raynham, Massachusetts, where he excelled, before earning his undergraduate degree at Bates College. His education continued at Boston College, where he obtained a master's degree in Immunology, culminating in a medical degree from the University of Brussels. He returned to the U.S. to complete his residency at Carney Hospital in Boston, where he forged lifelong friendships and established himself as a dedicated and pioneering physician. As a specialist in gastroenterology, John founded a private practice in Quincy and was instrumental in establishing one of Massachusetts' first endoscopy centers in Braintree. Known for his unwavering commitment, he treated each patient with compassion and care, always taking the time to listen and create personal connections. His dedication to medicine and his sincere desire to help others defined his professional and personal legacy. While raising his family with his former wife, Alice, John created lasting memories with friends on the South Shore and in East Dennis, MA, where his family spent their summers. He cherished these moments spent in beloved locations with his family. Some of his most treasured adventures included Cape Cod boating trips aboard the Abigail 2, exciting (to him!) overnight train journeys to his later-in-life winter residence in Lauderdale-by-the Sea, Florida and always laughter filled road trips with friends and family, navigating the open road with the help of CB radios across the many cars that could be part of some trips. A passionate Boston sports fan, history enthusiast with a keen interest in the Civil War, animal lover and political aficionado, John was also known for his unique collection of eccentric ties. With a tie for every occasion, he always brought a smile or laughter to his patients, family and friends. His ability to engage anyone in conversation on a wide array of topics showcased his deep knowledge and genuine interest in the world around him, but most importantly, his view that everyone was worth meeting and talking with, no matter who they were. John was a devoted father to his seven children, John (Michelle) Dalton, III of Scarborough, ME, Laura Dalton of Boston, MA, Natalie (Samuel) Finley of Weston, MA, Christopher Dalton of Plymouth, MA; Allison (Peter) Trojano of Burke, VT; Elizabeth (Christopher) Bunnell of Quechee, VT and Philip (Meghan) Dalton of Sudbury, MA. He took immense pride in being a grandfather to 15 grandchildren, Kelly, Michael, Casey, Topher, George, Ford, Claire, Cassie, Eloise, Sam, Harry, Alice, Kane, Quentin and Natalie, all of whom he adored deeply. He is survived by his former wife of 38 years, Alice Dalton; and his cousins, Ralph Ford and Dorothea (Andrew) Albero. John's compassion and resolute determination to uplift those around him left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Most of all though, his incredible generosity to so many, family, friends and beyond, is his true legacy, one which will live on in the memories and lives of those he touched. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 3, 2025, in St. Agatha's Church, 432 Adams Street, Milton, MA, at 10:30 am. Visiting Hours on Thursday, January 2, 2025, in the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, 4 - 7 pm. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's Memory may be sent to the M.S.P.C.A., 350 Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. For further information and to leave a note of sympathy for the Dalton family, please visit www.dolanfuneral.com