John R. Dainton Jr. Obituary
John Roswell Dainton Jr. passed peacefully from this life on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Kaplan House hospice surrounded by loved ones.
He was born October 14, 1938, to Helen (Connaughton) and John R. Dainton Sr. of Meriden, CT. He attended school in Meriden, graduating Valedictorian of the Class of '56. He also was a graduate of Yale Trumbull College Class of 1960, where he was dubbed "bastion of conservatism" by his fellows. John was also a graduate of Tufts Medical School Class of 1964.
John served his country as Lieutenant Commander in the Navy as a doctor in Newport, RI from 1965-69.
Doctor Dainton started his medical practice in 1969 at Beverly Hospital. For the next 37 years, he was an integral part of Beverly Hospital, serving on numerous boards and committees. Respected and loved by his patients and colleagues- known for his calm presence, willing ear and quick Irish whit.
John loved his family, his friends and the outdoors. He enjoyed skiing at Sugarloaf with his sons, hiking and camping with Troop 3 B.S.A., tennis at Bass River and the Mac, and competitive croquet with his sweetie pie, Kathleen. He was always on the go.
A man of quiet, sure faith, he was a member of the LaSalette Faith Community for 30 years, serving on the board and social committee.
John leaves his beloved wife of 30 years, Kathleen (O'Neill) Dainton; his children, Jack (Kim) Dainton, Jeff (Gina) Dainton, Michael (Kate) Dainton, Jamie (Melanie) Cook, Brendan (Vanessa) Cook, David (Kathy) Cook, Tim (M.J.) Cook, Deborah (Cook) Tilden, Hillary (Steve) Bradley, David (Kathy) Curran; former spouse, Judith Therialt. Grampy was also blessed with 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
He held kindness gently.
Fair winds and following seas.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 62 School Street, Manchester, MA. Internment will take place at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Manchester, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor are welcomed to Generous Gardeners, 2 Lexington Avenue, Magnolia, MA 01930 or to Kaplan House Hospice, 78 Liberty Street, Danvers, MA 01923.
