Walter James Dinehart

Walter James Dinehart (“Jim”), 78, of Hamden, CT, passed away peacefully, at home on November 28, 2025, after a long battle with cancer, which he faced with remarkable strength, faith and grace. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Jim was the son of the late William H. Dinehart, Jr. and Louise Wilhelm Dinehart. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother William H. Dinehart III, his mother and father-in-law, Francis D. and J. Marie Salomone, and his brothers-in-law Robert J. Salomone and Barry E. Salomone. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Diane Salomone Dinehart; children: Carrie Stewart (Shawn), Eric Dinehart (Allison Lemanski), Mary Perry (Wesley) and grandchildren: Rachael Stewart (Xiang Yi Lau), Victoria Stewart, Kenneth Stewart, Ashley Dinehart, Isabella Perry, Ava Perry, Reese Perry, and Adilyn Perry. He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law: Barbara Dinehart, Janet and Dwight Dolezel, Katherine Salomone, James and Marie Frederick, Beth and Joe DiMilia, and his nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Jim grew up in Hamburg, NY, graduated from Hamburg High School and Cornell University. He attended graduate school at SUNY Binghamton and proudly served his country as a member of the New York State Army National Guard for six years. Born with a spirit for exploration and a heart full of kindness, Jim built a life defined by humility, honesty, and generosity. He spent nearly 40 years in the travel industry, beginning with major airlines and later continuing with Amtrak, until his retirement in 2013. His passion for seeing the world never faded, and he took great joy in discovering new places and connecting with people wherever he went. After his successful career, Jim continued to expand his knowledge through a variety of courses that challenged him to think in new ways and enjoyed spending quality time with his family. Jim was a devoted parishioner of St. Rita Church since 1986, serving in countless ways over the decades. He was a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a dedicated part of the Marriage Preparation Team for 25 years. But beyond his roles and responsibilities, Jim’s greatest ministry was simply the way he lived; his gentle presence, warm smile, and quiet strength brought comfort and Christlike love to those around him. Jim was a true gentleman — steady in character, thoughtful in action, and respectful in every part of his life. Family was the heart of everything he did, and his legacy lives on in the love he shared and the lives he touched. Jim’s steady presence, gentle manner, and genuine warmth will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. Jim’s family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses at Smilow in North Haven who cared for him and supported his family over the last nine years, those from Masonicare in Wallingford who cared for Jim over the last two years providing OT and PT for him at home, and most recently, all of the Masonicare team involved in Jim’s Home Hospice care. Friends and family may call on Thursday, December 4th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 5th at St. Rita R.C. Church, 1620 Whitney Avenue in Hamden at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Rita School, 1601 Whitney Avenue, Hamden CT 06517.

Walter James Dinehart

March 11, 1947 - November 28, 2025