Richard "Deacon" Dion, 87 passed away Tue. Oct 1st at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was the son of the late Joseph and Vera (Whitney) Dion and husband to Gail (McGrath) Dion.  Deacon worked as a manager with several Framingham area restaurants and most recently worked in the Snow Removal Department for MA D.O.T. retiring in 2016.  He was a lifetime member and past manager of the Natick Elks Club.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children, Richard Dion Jr of Exeter, NH, Jack Dion (Kathleen) of Malden, Debra Simpson (David) of Londonderry, NH, David Dion (Susan) of Ashville, NC, Laura Pittman (John) of Ashland and Neelle Sorrelle (Eric) of Stuart FLA, 14 grandchildren (Casey, John Jr, Kevin, Ryan, Keith, Sara, Hali, Paige, JT, Jacob, Dakota, Dawn Marie, Craig and Matthew), 11 great-grandchildren (Jack, Henry, Ryder, Wilder, Delilah, Felicia, Samantha, Griffin, Nathan, Brady, Jared) and 4 great-great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his son Howard R. Kling.

Deacon truly enjoyed life to the fullest.   He especially loved spending time with his family, always with a camera in hand.  He was an avid Red Sox fan.  He would delight in watching the birds on the deck and taking care of his many gardens (could be because he started his career as a florist).  What made Deacon special to so many people, including his family, was his soft and tender demeanor, his genuine smile and his embracing bear hugs.  He will surely be missed from our lives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday Oct. 7th at 11:00 am in St. Cecilia's Parish, 54 Esty St. Ashland, MA with burial to follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland.  Visiting hours will be held Sunday from 4:00-7:00 pm in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland, MA.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

Salmon Hospice, 37 Birch Street, Milford, MA 01757

or

Natick Elks Lodge 1425, 95 Speen St, Natick, MA 01760