Sean M. Dineen

Obituary of Sean M. Dineen

Sean M. Dineen, beloved husband of Holly Dineen passed away on August 25 th at the age of 53 after a two and a half year battle with Glioblastoma. Sean was born to the late Claire Hubley and grew up in West Roxbury MA. In 1991 he graduated from Cathedral Highschool in Boston MA then enlisted in the US Navy from 1992-1996.

Sean grew up hearing Navy stories from his uncle and developed strong admiration for his service to his country inspiring him to choose a military path. Sean proudly served on board the U.S.S. Duluth and completed his bootcamp in San Diego, CA. He served 2 deployments as part of an amphibious ready group with the US Marines in Mogadishu, South Africa(1993) and later in Saudia Arabia. He was honorably discharged in 1996 with hopes of pursuing a career in law enforcement.

He started working for Natick Labs in Natick MA, then joined the police department with the Department of Defense from 2001-2009. Sean served as patrol Sargent with the Dept. Air Force Civilian Police on Westover Airforce Base. Sean's true calling to serve others came in 2012, when he served as a police officer for the Department of Veteran Affairs in Bedford MA. His work as a patrol officer led to the Community Police Officer position from 2012-2020 achieving Lieutenant rank. Sean spent each day patrolling the campus, connecting with staff, getting to know everyone from housekeeping to physicians and nurses and taking a special interest in caring for the Veterans, who are there getting help for themselves. As the liaison to outside agencies, he connected the community to the VA and volunteered his time at National Night out events, fundraisers benefiting Veteran organizations and fostered a partnership with the police department with the David James Hospice Unit to honor veterans taking part in their "Final Salute." Sean was promoted to Senior Physical Security Specialist in 2020 and medically retired in April 2025.

Sean was a devoted family man who enjoyed the simple things especially when it involved friends and family. He enjoyed spending summers on The Coast of Maine and Cape Cod and in the winter ski trips, playing recreational Hockey or watching his childhood hockey heroes, The Boston Bruins. Sean had an opportunity to skate for charity with "Skate for the 22" and some retired Bruins alum and it was the highlight of his skating days. He belonged to a candlepin bowling league for many years and was a natural athlete at most anything he attempted.

After Sean's diagnosis in 2023, he became determined to never give up hope and to enjoy every moment possible with his family and friends. His positive attitude was infectious and inspirational no matter what challenge he faced during treatments and surgeries. Sean had a bucket list to travel and in the last two years he was able to see Ireland, Duluth MN, Toronto, Fort Lauderdale FL, Aruba, Marco Island FL, Cape Cod and several trips to Maine.

Sean was the treasured husband of 13 years to Holly Sheppard Dineen of Burlington. He is the father and best friend to his beloved daughter Siena. He was her biggest fan and coach courtside watching her play basketball and wouldn't miss an opportunity to practice with her or watch her games.

Sean was the brother of George Dineen and partner Mimi of Hyde Park, brother to Dan Dineen of Greenland NH, brother to Donna Rice and her husband Scott of Dedham MA and brother to Joe Dineen and his wife Catherine of Lewes Delaware. Sean was the brother-in-law to Keith Sheppard and his wife Christine of Burlington MA. Sean has many beloved extended family including nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Visiting hours for Sean will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Wednesday, September 3rd, beginning with a Police Officer Walk Through at 3:30 p.m. and then a public visitation from 4 to 7 PM. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Thursday September 4 at 9a.m. Followed by a Funeral Service at St. Mark's Episcopal Church at 10 St Marks Rd, Burlington, MA 01803, at 10:00AM. Services will conclude with an interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an organization Sean felt made a difference for so many Veterans in crisis: Skate for the 22, https://skateforthe22.org/donate/.

For online guestbook, video tribute and livestream, please visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net