My friend Dino died last week. We met in 1974 at Jacksonville Junior High. I was in 7th grade. He was an upperclassman… in 9th grade. But that didn’t matter to him.
That was Dino.
He overlooked things like that. If he was your friend… he was your friend. Age… White… Black… Oriental… European… Baptist… Catholic… it didn’t matter to him.
That was Dino.
And he excelled at things. Football for one. Friends was another. It seemed everyone was his friend. Students… teachers… administrators. Even now, nearly 40 years after leaving high school, they are still leaving words of how he encouraged them.
That was Dino.
Other than making friends, I think his greatest asset was his smile. You never saw him without it. And if you didn’t have one… he gave you his. Crest missed a great opportunity in naming him their spokesman.
That was Dino.
He went on to great things after high school. College… a stint at CBS… a successful TV appearance. He became an entrepreneur owning his own business. It seemed everything he touched was blessed.
That was Dino.
And through all that… he never forgot where he came from. He loved his high school and college sports… the Southwest Stallions and ECU Pirates. He always had time for his friends. Getting together… reminiscing.
That was Dino.
In 2010, he learned I had written a book. He contacted me and invited me onto his internet webcast to discuss it. That was HUGE for me and the success of my small project. But it was nothing to him.
That was Dino.
And with all of his busy life… he had time to serve his country in the US Air Force. He enlisted as an Airman and continued on eventually receiving his commission as a Lieutenant and served a total of 14 years. There was always time to serve.
That was Dino.
I spent some time the last few days reading the literally hundreds of tributes on his FaceBook wall and on the Funeral Home website. Time after time reading how folks were devastated by the loss. Beautiful tributes. “A wonderful man with a beautiful smile.” “I think he never met a stranger.” “The world has lost a special person.” “…infectious spirit of friendship…” Many from people who had never had the opportunity to meet him in person… only via the web. Tributes from around the world… Italy, Malaysia, Finland and nearly every state in the union. They each had lost a true friend. Because he had no other kind.
That was Dino.
Sadly, my schedule will not allow me to join with his family and friends at his Celebration of Life service. There will be beautiful music. Stirring tributes. Praise and accolades rightly deserved. I’m comfortable he would understand my absence.
Because… THAT was Dino.
Au revoir, my friend.
193,584
Dino
we had some days on that football field at ECU… the scout team was live… we would complain about the treatment of the mean greenies..but we learn a lot of things about college football at the same time. Leaving ECU to transfer to Lenoir Rhyne was hard leaving friends such as Dino. Your smile and sense of humor was awesome and you will be truly missed. love you man!
ThOm, that was Dino, he will be missed by many, but he will live on in our hearts,, because he touched so many. I know when Marissa passed he was one that would chat with me and help me through some dark times. I am sad that I too will not make it in for his service, but I will be there in spirit, I know Dino will understand. RIP my dear friend.
Friendship, fellowship, and leadership are the words that come to mind. . On behalf of the Class of 1978 from Jacksonville Senior High School, we mourn your loss and at the same time celebrate your life as we are all better folks for sharing your short time with us all.
Rene Roussel
Thom, you said it perfectly in your tribute to Dino. He was one of a kind and will ALWAYS hold a special place in all our hearts.
ThOm, thanks for putting into words what we are all feeling. I remember Dino inviting me to tune in to your podcast, you were great and he was proud of you! He was “that guy,” calling, visiting when you least expected but really needed a friend! LOL, he actually wanted to visit me in Orlando not for the Disney connection but for the “friendship” connection. Sadly he didn’t make it but luckily we had a few good visits in Jacksonville the last few years.
Dino was such a motivator, he helped me through some rough times and
encouraged me to follow my passion to become a yoga teacher.
So many of us have a “Dino story” I’m sure we will hear more for quite a while!