Arthur F. Dionne

Rye Beach - Arthur F. Dionne, age 89, known by many as “Art” or “Bear”, passed away peacefully at home on May 2, 2026. Born February 11, 1937, Art grew up in Claremont, NH, an only child to his parents Victor and Loretta Dionne. During childhood, Art met the love of his life, Judith, where they graduated together from Stevens High School. Art went on to earn his chemical engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, then a law degree from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, before he and Jud settled in Wilbraham, MA to raise a family. Art was a true gentleman, a man of wisdom, kindness and integrity. He had a successful career spanning over five decades as a patent attorney in Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT. He also held numerous positions in Wilbraham town government including Selectman and Town Moderator. The family made many happy memories on summer vacations at Hampton Beach, NH. Art & Jud’s love for the ocean eventually brought them to Rye, NH where they lived their golden years together. In retirement, Art enjoyed travelling, scuba diving, and boating. He served as Commodore of the Portsmouth Yacht Club for many years, and was still active in the Club, just recently assisting with ‘docks in’ to launch the 2026 season. Art could also often be found relaxing with friends on the deck of the Rye Beach Club where he had served on the board of directors, or enjoying a hearty meal and beverage at any of his favorite seacoast area restaurants. In addition to his parents, Art was predeceased by Judith, his wife of 61 years and best friend for life. He was also predeceased by his eldest son Peter Dionne. Art is survived by his daughter Mary Dionne of Wilbraham, MA; his son James Dionne of North Kingstown, RI; his son Robert Dionne and wife Crystal of Candia, NH; and family friend Robert Sullivan of Three Rivers, MA. Bear is also survived by seven grandchildren: Benjamin Dionne and his wife Kathleen; Madlyn Burge and her husband Alexander; Daniel Delaney and his partner Tiffany Murca; Geoffrey Dionne and his partner Tessa Poirier; Sarah Dionne; Samuel and Ella Dionne; and four great grandchildren: Jack, Winslow, Oscar and McKenna. Calling hours will be held on Saturday May 16, 2026 from 11:00am-1:00pm at Remick & Gendron Funeral Home, 811 Lafayette Rd, Hampton, NH. A religious graveside service will be held at the Rye Central Cemetery, 20 Central Rd, Rye, NH at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation by clicking here, the Dana-Farber Cancer Center by clicking here or the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital by clicking here.

Arthur F. Dionne

February 11, 1937 - May 2, 2026