James (Jim) E. Dinneen

LITTLE FALLS – James (Jim) E. Dinneen, of Little Falls, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the Masonic Care Community of NY, in Utica, on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Jim was born August 8, 1932, in Little Falls, the son of the late Edward F. and Katharine (Long) Dinneen. He attended St. Mary's Academy and graduated from Utica College, Utica, NY. Jim enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Ft Ord along the Pacific coast and also stationed in Germany. Jim served in the Army from 1952-1954. Jim went on to finish his college education and then began a career in the insurance field. He spent the majority of his professional life working for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Eventually, he was appointed VP of Liberty Mutual Claims, in Boston and later in his career transferred to the Portsmouth, NH office until retirement. Throughout his career he lived in Brooklyn, NY, Brighton, MA and Hampton, NH until moving back to upstate NY, in August, 2020.

Jim was a faithful member of Holy Family Parish, in Little Falls, for years along with Saint Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill, MA and Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, in Hampton, NH. He was a longtime volunteer at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal and worked at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, as well as provided transportation for church members in need. During his time in Boston, Jim loved to go to Boston College basketball and football games and enjoyed spending time with friends. Once he moved to New Hampshire, he enjoyed long walks along Hampton Beach and occasionally walked down to the boardwalk. He adored all his friends and especially the wonderful neighbors and friends in Hampton and held them close to his heart. Throughout his life, Jim unselfishly helped those less fortunate and donated time and funds to many charities.

Though Jim did not have any children, he loved his nieces and nephews, along with great-nieces and great-nephews and they loved him. He always made it home for the holidays and had a special seat at the table to celebrate with family. Jim was a cherished friend, always concerned about those close to him and their families, maintaining life long friendships and always adding new ones. He was a kind and compassionate man with a warm smile and hearty laugh.

Jim is survived by his beloved family: his brothers and sister-in-law, John Dinneen, of Little Falls and David Dinneen and his wife, Erin, of New Hartford. He is preceded in death by his sister, Helen Daly and her husband, John. He is additionally survived by his nieces, Maureen Uerz and husband, Jeffrey, of Mechanicsville, VA, Patricia Bodin and husband, John, of Walpole, MA and Kathleen Daly, of Little Falls, NY, Meghan Brott and husband, Gordon, of Glen Ridge, NJ and Molly Thomsen and husband, Jordan, of Pennington, NJ; his nephews, Michael Daly and his wife, Donna, of New Hartford, NY and Ryan Dinneen and his wife, Tracy, of Waterbury, VT; along with his many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Thank you to Michael, Donna and Kathy Daly for helping him so much with his transitional years moving back to New York and especially during his last few years. A special thank you to the Shepardson family, Joan Gootee and all of Jim’s friends for their kindness, friendship and making him a part of their families. Also thank you to all the nurses, aides and staff at both Cedarbrook and the Masonic Care Community for their kindness, compassion and wonderful care.

Calling hours will be held Monday, October 28, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to10:30 a.m., at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe Street, Little Falls. Jim’s Funeral Service, a Mass of Christian Burial, will begin 11:00 a.m., at the Holy Family Parish in Little Falls.

A private burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, in the Town of Herkimer, where Jim will be laid to rest with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to Holy Family Parish, 763 East Main Street, Little Falls, NY 13365, or the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, 289 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH, 03842.

Arrangements have been made with his family friends, Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 823-2424. This tribute will appear in Sunday’s Utica Observer Dispatch and the funeral home website, www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.