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John Dionne Obituary
Born in New York, N.Y., on Feb. 28, 1942, he was the son of Thomas F. and Anna (Rice) Dionne.
He earned a bachelor's degree in fire science from John Jay College and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Vermont.
John served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps.
He lived in Orange County, N.Y., and was a New York City firefighter for 20 years, retiring as a captain in 1981. He also lived in Burlington, Vt., where he had been fire chief and Concord also serving as chief of the Concord Fire Department for 13 years before retiring in 2002. John moved to Newport in 2005.
Family members include his wife of 53 years, Mary E. (McCausland) Dionne of Newport; four children, Kathleen (George) Trieb of Colchester, Vt., Mary (Raymond) Chapman of Gardner, Mass., Jean (Michael) Cooper of Boston, Mass., and Colleen Dionne of New Orleans, La.; and five grandchildren, Ashley, Hannah, Connor, Catherine and Raymond.
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SERVICES: Calling hours are Friday, Feb. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main St., New London.
A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m. from Our Lady of Fatima Church, 724 Main St., New London.
Burial will be in New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice, P.O. Box 2209, New London, N.H. 03257 or lakesunapeevna.org/giving/donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sandra Morrison
March 24, 2025
I remember Chief Dionne when he lived in East Concord. Always friendly, always kind. My deepest condolences to all the family. When my late husband and I would be out photo shooting, we passed his old home many times. Grateful for his service to this Community and may he rest in peace. Respectfully, Sandra L Morrison
Joseph Berry
April 4, 2020
My condolences to the Dionne Family.
I returned from the layoffs and was reassigned back to 24 truck. John was a lieutenant there at that time.
I worked in his groups, he motivated me back into the job. One tough fire Officer who you would follow down the walls of hell. Drove him for a short period in 24.
Always had a plan of attack, amazing man.
One of the best fire Officers I ever met. John stay was a short one in 24. He was promoted to Capt and went back to the Bronx.
Later, was assigned to Eng 37.
The Dionne family, thanks for sharing John with the FDNY. He taught us all well.
My sincere condolences ,
Ret. Lt. Joseph T.Berry ladder co.42
Laurie A Couture
March 25, 2020
To Colleen and her family, I'm so sorry to hear about the death of your Dad. You and I were friends many years ago as little kids.
Bill knapp
March 2, 2020
Just returned from a month in Hawaii and received a note from Mary that John died. He was a knowledgeable fire officer in the FDNY and he could take a feed like nobody else(firespeak for taking a lot of smoke without a mask)
The man had the dryest sense of humor. He could tell a weird story,everyone scratching their heads and he would never crack a smile. We had a great relationship,whether on the fire floor or volunteering for the local volunteer ambulance. Have not seen John lately but will miss my good friend.
Bill&Marianne Knapp
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Kathy & Peter Scalia
February 21, 2020
Our deepest Condolences to you and your family.
HAROLD Richardson
February 17, 2020
Mary, I'm sorry for your loss and that I'd lost touch with John these last years. He was a good man and I'll always remember him. Harold Richardson Concord Fire
Frank Carpentino
February 15, 2020
My deepest condolences to John's family. It has been a number of years since I had the opportunity to see, and speak with John, but I always remember learning so much from our talks. John may have been quiet, but when he spoke you listened, because he was passing his knowledge onto you. He may have left the fire service, but he is still among one of the best NH had.
Nancy Veronneau
February 15, 2020
Mary, my condolences on the loss of your husband. Its been a very long time since Id seen him. He hired me to work at the Burlington Fire Dept. back in 1988. I hated to see him go. He was good at what he did. I pray the lifetime of memories the two of you shared help you through this difficult time.
Jenn Mayo
February 14, 2020
My deepest condolences to Kathleen and the family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your father/husband sounds like an amazing man, who was well-loved, admired, and highly respected; what an incredible life. Praying for your peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Siobhan Petho
February 14, 2020
So sorry for your loss and even more sorry that we can't be there with you! We've been praying for you every night and will continue to do so during this tough time. Love you all so much!
Elizabeth McGann
February 14, 2020
Dear Mary, I can't be there to give you a hug. But, be assured you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris Pope
February 14, 2020
Mary and Family,
Kristine and I extend our condolences to all of you. Chief D served in Concord with great class, dignity and honor. Amidst fire, chaos and disaster he always remained calm and steady. He was looked up to by so many of us. Hundreds of firefighters under his leadership learned from the examples he set over his long career. We were lucky to have him. We shall miss him.
-Chris and Kristine Pope
Jean Cooper
February 13, 2020
My father loved two things in this world. His family and being a firefighter. He loved every house he served in. His home with his family and his house with his fellow firefighters. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers and well wishes ❤
Rob Everett
February 13, 2020
RIP Chief! The reason I left the state and went to CFD as short as it was after your retirement. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Joseph Benard
February 13, 2020
RIP Chief, It was a pleasure serving under you at the Burlington Fire Department. My condolences to you and your family Mary.
Thomas Burilll
February 13, 2020
Sending my condolences to the family. It was an honor to serve with Chief Dionne in Concord.
Kate Lufkin
February 13, 2020
Sending all of my love and condolences from New Orleans. I wish you happy memories and peaceful sleep, all in due time. He was a great man who, with Ms. Mary, raised great kids.
Paul Vallee
February 13, 2020
My deepest sympathy to Mary and the family it was an honor to serve under your command at somersworth fire dept.
February 12, 2020
Mr. Dionne, Thank you for your service RDM Windham NH Semper Fidelis
George Guilmette
February 12, 2020
RIP CHIEF It was an honor to serve under your command in Somersworth Fire Department.
Emily Starr
February 11, 2020
Sounds like an amazing man of honor, integrity and courage. Id wish Id met you John but hope others follow in your productive and right-minded footsteps. My condolences to all the Dionnes and Warmest hugs to Colleen.
Emily
Katherine & Peter Scalia
February 11, 2020
WE (The Pirrello's & Scalia's) are so sorry for your loss. We think of all of you often with only fond memories and smiles. Rest in Peace John, your work here has been completed with dignity and honor.
Rosemary Silverberg
February 11, 2020
My deepest sympathy to Mary and family! May John RIP!
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