Obituary of Gordon Dion

June 28, 2023, Gordon J. Dion of Huntington, New York, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife of 57 years, Carol, and his three daughters Francine McDermott, Denise Quaco, and Jennifer Dion. Known to many as “Gordo”, he was a wonderful father-in-law to both Matt McDermott and Robert Quaco and a loving grandfather or “Tata”, to Patrick, Andrew, and Charlotte. 

Gordon was born on February 9, 1942, in the Bronx, the fourth of five children, to Gordon F. Dion and Mary Gallagher.  He grew up in Bayside, Queens, playing stickball throughout the neighborhood and eventually moved to Garden City, NY, where he graduated from Garden City High School in 1960.

Gordon and his family spent many a summer out in Sag Harbor, on Noyack Bay, where his love of fishing, boating, waterskiing and wading in the Long Island Sound became a place of wonderful memories for them all. Gordon loved Sag Harbor and visited every summer where he would reminisce of his days at Murfs and the Salty Dog, telling stories and jokes with anyone that would join him.   He always made new friends wherever he went, he was truly larger than life. 

Upon graduation from High School, Gordon joined the Navy, where he entered electrician’s school.  Gordon served in the Navy from 1960 to 1964, primarily aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Essex.   His service took him all around the world, from the Caribbean to Europe to the Middle East.  He loved to tell stories about his time in the Navy, sharing his experiences far and wide with his kids and grandkids. 

Gordon met Carol in 1965 and loved driving around in their convertibles, spending time with friends and family and frequenting the lounges and restaurants in Queens.  They were married in 1966 and put roots down in Huntington Station, NY. 

Following his time in the Navy, Gordon worked in sales and information technology, while raising three daughters with Carol.  Gordon became a dedicated basketball and soccer coach to many, he coached a million soccer games; drove thousands of miles for tournaments, carpools and taught many to shoot their free throws underhand. He had a knack for creating and naming plays on the soccer field, which left opposing teams in complete disarray.  Gordon loved to attend any of his daughters or grandkids sporting events, he was a dedicated and supportive fan.   Gordon loved fishing with anyone who would cast a line, the bigger the fish the better the story, and the friends he made along the way created life-lasting memories. 

Gordon will forever be remembered as a joyful man who loved to laugh more than anything.  He had a gift of entering a room, not knowing anyone, and leaving with newfound friends.  

So, while we lost one of the really good ones this week, and we are all very sad, please take a moment from time to time to recall one of Gordon’s embellished jokes and have another laugh with him.  He would really like that.

The family will receive friends and family at M.A. Connell Funeral Home, 934 New York Avenue, Huntington Station, New York, on Wednesday, July 5, from 4 – 7:00 p.m.  A mass will be conducted at the Church of St. Patrick, 400 Main Street, Huntington, New York, on Thursday, July 6 at 10:45 a.m.

St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center, in Roslyn NY, supported Gordon throughout his battle with heart failure.  The Doctors and Nurses were the absolute best and cared for him every step of the way.   In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting St. Francis Hospital https://www.chsli.org/st-francis-hospital/ways-give.