Obituary

Timothy Gerard Dineen
October 27, 1945 – March 31, 2024

Timothy Gerard Dineen passed away on Easter Sunday at his home in Mission Viejo, California, surrounded by his devoted family and friends; he was 78. Born October 27, 1945, to Aileen Conway Dineen and George Charles Dineen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Tim grew up as the third son in a bustling household of nine children.

His compassionate, patient, and resourceful spirit was ever-present, and he displayed that good nature early on to help care for and entertain his younger siblings. This family bond only deepened with time, marked by the passing of their mother at age 41, continuing during his studies at University of St Thomas, his storied 22-year military career with the United States Marine Corps, and as he built his own family. Throughout his life, making time for his brothers and sisters was paramount, ensuring he was a constant and supportive presence in their lives.

As a young man, Tim earned the distinction of Eagle Scout, and graduated from Pius XI High School in 1963. As a star athlete, he played football and was a key member of the hurdle relay team that claimed the state championship that same year. His pursuit for education continued at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he became part of the ROTC program and majored in Mathematics. He then transitioned to the Platoon Leader Training Corp (PLTC) in Quantico, Virginia, leading to his commission as an officer in the Marine Corps upon graduating in January 1968.

After post-officer training, Tim further developed his aviation skills at the Naval Air Flight School, followed by the Advanced Jet Training Command, in Beeville, Texas in 1969. There, he met and fell in love with Jean Sharon Thorne. After a whirlwind six-week courtship, their romance flourished and they were married, beginning a 55-year journey together as beloved life partners.

Tim’s military track took him to stations around the globe, from Okinawa, Japan to Brunswick, Georgia. It was at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland that he attended and graduated from the USN Test Pilot School. Stints at Camp Pendleton and El Toro would follow, before he was selected as the #2 Pilot for the esteemed US Naval Flight Demonstration Team, The Blue Angels. During his tenure with The Blues for the 1981 and 1982 show seasons, the “Whiz,” as he was affectionately dubbed by his fellow squadron pilots, traveled the country as an ambassador of American goodwill and military might, meeting presidents, government officials, cultural celebrities, aviation enthusiasts and for him most important, children, either on the tarmac, at local schools or during hospital visits, each enthralled by his brilliant blue suit and genuine kindness. Following his return to California, he became the Squadron Commander of the VMA 211 “Wake Island Avengers.”

After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Marine Corps in 1987, Tim worked briefly as a commercial pilot for American Airlines before joining McDonnell Douglas and then the Boeing Company as a test pilot, retiring in 2010 as Director of Flight Operations. Though his remarkable career in aviation stands as a testament to his perseverance and intelligence, it was his family that defined him and gave him his true purpose. A devoted and extraordinary father, he and Jean raised three exceptional daughters: Shelley, Heather, and Kaitrin, each possessing their father’s compassion, wry wit, and sense of duty.

An accomplished golfer and skier, Tim also delighted in flying kites and playing dominoes. He was the teller of great truths and also tall tales, a first-class storyteller, toast-maker and gentle-man. He transmitted his passion for life to his broad and loving extended family, often surprising them with unexpected and unannounced visits, may they be college graduations, sporting events, or destination weddings.

Timothy leaves behind a cherished legacy and is survived by his devoted wife Jean, their three daughters: Shelley, Heather, and Kaitrin and their spouses, Regan, Tim and Eric, grandchildren: Aidan, Avery, Alina (Shelley), Eamonn, Keely (Heather), Eleanor (Kaitrin) and eight siblings: Michael, Peter, Margaret, Patrick, Ellen, Dennis, Mary Angela, and Terese.

His life will be celebrated in memory of the joy and kindness he shared with everyone he met, and his spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

For information regarding Funeral Services on June 15th please visit everloved.com/life-of/timothy-dineen/