George E. Dion

"George Edward Dion aka Moose, born 17 Aug 1942 in Holyoke MA passed away Thursday evening 1 Sept 2016 due to heart failure. In death he returns to the Savior whom he served and to the embrace of his beloved wife and soulmate of over 38 years Sylvia B. Dion who left for heaven 24 June 2016 in order to get their new home in the Pines set up. George was preceded by his parents Armand and Germaine Dion, his siblings Armand Dion Jr., Ronald Dion, and Richard Dion. George served his country honorably from 1960 - 1963 as a Damage Controlman 3rd Class (DC3) in the US Navy stationed out of Norfolk VA aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence CVA-62 and participated in the US response to the Cuban Missile Crisis. After leaving the US Navy George worked as a commercial driver for the Teamster union for over 20 yrs before coming to work for the state of Massachusetts where he worked for another 20 years as a supervisor at the Belchertown State School, a groundskeeper at the Quabbin Cemetery, and a Ranger for the MDC. In 2003 he retired from service to the State of Massachusetts.Additionally, George was extremely active in his local community and politics. He was the co-founder of Pine Valley Cooperative Corporation and its first President having served from 1986-1992. He was a past Senior Vice Commander of the DAV, an active member of the Elks lodge, and a former member of Masons Fraternal Organization at Vernon Lodge in Belchertown, MA, as well as a York Right Shriner out of Springfield MA. He served as a member of the Hampshire County Deputy Sheriffs Association, was on the Board of the Belchertown Council on Aging, and the Belchertown Housing Authority, and an active leader with the Belchertown Senior Center. He served actively on the campaigns of many elected officials from both parties as well as those running for positions from Pine Valley to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts including the efforts of his close friend Alfred Rocanti who assumed the duties of Pine Valley President in 1992 to Senator Stephen Brewer of Massachusetts and numerous others. George was also a dedicated member of St Francis Catholic Church in Belchertown Ma and a man that truly lived his faith and commitment to service. George is survived by his sister, Rena Dion of Chicopee as well as his children, son Richard R. Dion and his wife Angela of Knoxville, TN, daughter Teresa M. Dion of Marble Falls, TX, and son Christopher G. Dion, and his wife Luche of San Antonio, TX. He is also survived by his step children Donna Shuman and her husband Gary of South Windsor CT, Sandra Borbone and her husband Joe of Worcester, MA, and David Hudson and his wife Shirley of Uxbridge MA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Lisa, Brittany, Aaron, April and Bradley of TN, and John Edward Dion of TX, Craig, Mathew, Michael Shuman of CT, Joshua, Adam, and Rebecca, and Sarah as well as 15 great grandchildren. It is said that a man's measure lies not in his own height but in how he lifts others. His worth lies not in his finances but in how he enriches the lives of those around him and his wisdom lies not in the degrees on his wall but in how others learn from his example. If this is so then George is the tallest, richest, wisest man who many of us will ever know and he was blessed with an angel that gave him a love story to rival Shakespeare. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016 starting at 9am at Beers and Story Belchertown Funeral Home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Francis Church. Burial will follow in Quabbin Park Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Thursday, September 8, 2016 from 4-7pm. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Belchertown Senior Center. For further information please visit beersandstory.com."