David F. Dineen

GARDINER – Dr. David F. Dineen DVM, 91, beloved husband, father, and “Deeda” peacefully passed away at Maine General Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care at Glenridge on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023.

He was born on Sept. 30, 1931, in Gardiner, to James and Eleanor Dineen. David graduated from Gardiner High School in 1949 and did a postgraduate year at MCI, graduating in 1950. During those years, David played any and every sport they would let him, sometimes participating in two sports in the same season. He attended the University of Maine at Orono and graduated with a B.S. in Farm Management. He then served in the Army and was honorably discharged in 1956 as a first lieutenant from Fort Riley, Kansas Training Center. David went on to attend Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Toronto at Guelph, graduating in the class of 1960.

While practicing veterinary medicine in New Hampshire, he met the love of his life, Nancy (Carmichael) Dineen. They were married on Aug. 26, 1961, in Westbrook. The couple settled in Gardiner and started their family.

After a brief stint at Pine Tree Animal Clinic, he went on to work for the Maine State Department of Agriculture as a state veterinarian and retired from the state as Director of Veterinary Services. He enjoyed his work with the state and particularly cherished the people he worked alongside over the years. He also had a small private practice where he was able to care for animals and form cherished relationships with their owners. Without question, his kind and gentle ways exemplified his empathetic nature. He quietly left a profound mark on his community.

“Deeda”, as his grandchildren called him, was a man of many interests. He took pleasure in the little things: going on long bike rides, mowing his lawn, planting his garden, homemade toast with strawberry jam and a good molasses cookie or donut.

He valued health and fitness, was an avid reader, solitaire aficionado and skilled puzzle solver. David enjoyed many different genres of music, always tapping his toe to the beat.

He was the quintessential baby holder. He would often ride his bike to visit his grandchildren when they were infants. Deeda would happily hold them for hours on end and occasionally take a snooze alongside them. As the kids grew, Deeda established “fun-loving” traditions with them. They loved nothing more than long car rides listening to “Nanie and Deeda” music, playing Animal I spy, and stopping for hot dogs and ice cream. No one ever passed up the opportunity to sit at Nanie and Deeda’s counter eating Deeda’s famous pancakes faster than he could make them. He brought great delight to his grandchildren’s lives; sharing time cross-country skiing, skating, bike riding, and kayaking, but most importantly, always being there to show them love and support. He was many things to many people but to us, he was Deeda.

When remembering our Deeda, we are thankful for the time, love, and life lessons he gave us. He was the king of granting grace no matter the circumstance and strived to bestow unconditional love on those around him. He had a solid, unbending faith in God and a strong hope that things would work out for the best. He is at peace now, riding his bicycle (and of course, stopping for a hot dog and ice cream along the way), dancing with Nanie to The Mills Brothers, or heading down river for a good cup of chowder. We will carry on with him in our hearts and always remember the wisdom he shared: never take any wooden nickels and always keep your elbows up.

David was predeceased by his wife of over 60 years, Nancy.

He is survived by his children; grandchildren; and extended family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Joseph’s Church, 110 School St., Gardiner on Monday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Kennebec Valley Humane Society in Augusta.