John W. Dalton, M.D.

April 03, 1944 - December 21, 2024

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Obituary for John W. Dalton, M.D.

Dr. John Wilfred Dalton, of Quincy and formerly of Milton, peacefully passed away on December 21, 2024, at the age of 80, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on April 3, 1944, in Boston, Massachusetts, John was the sole child of the late John and Alice Dalton. Losing his mother at the age of six in a tragic accident, John developed an early understanding of the fragility of life. This fueled his lifelong dedication to serving others, embodying the belief that every moment is a gift. After his mother's passing, he was raised by his devoted and loving Aunt Grace McCarron, a dedicated schoolteacher who nurtured his love for education and instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance.

John’s academic journey led him to Msr. Coyle Cassidy High School in Raynham, Massachusetts, where he excelled, before earning his undergraduate degree at Bates College. His education continued at Boston College where he obtained a master’s degree in Immunology, culminating in a medical degree from the University of Brussels. He returned to the U.S. to complete his residency at Carney Hospital in Boston, where he forged lifelong friendships and established himself as a dedicated and pioneering physician.

As a specialist in gastroenterology, John founded a private practice in Quincy and was instrumental in establishing one of Massachusetts' first endoscopy centers in Braintree. Known for his unwavering commitment, he treated each patient with compassion and care, always taking the time to listen and create personal connections. His dedication to medicine and his sincere desire to help others defined his professional and personal legacy.

While raising his family with his former wife Alice, John created lasting memories with friends on the South Shore and in East Dennis, MA, where his family spent their summers. He cherished these moments spent in beloved locations with his family. Some of his most treasured adventures included Cape Cod boating trips aboard the Abigail 2, exciting (to him!) overnight train journeys to his later in life winter residence in Lauderdale-by-the Sea, Florida, and always laughter filled road trips with friends and family, navigating the open road with the help of CB radios across the many cars that could be part of some trips.

A passionate Boston sports fan, history enthusiast with a keen interest in the Civil War, animal lover, and political aficionado, John was also known for his unique collection of eccentric ties. With a tie for every occasion, he always brought a smile or laughter to his patients, family, and friends. His ability to engage anyone in conversation on a wide array of topics showcased his deep knowledge and genuine interest in the world around him, but most importantly his view that everyone was worth meeting and talking with, no matter who they were.

John was a devoted father to his seven children: John (Michelle) Dalton III of Scarborough, ME; Laura Dalton of Boston, MA; Natalie (Samuel) Finley of Weston, MA; Christopher Dalton of Plymouth, MA; Allison (Peter) Trojano of Burke, VT; Elizabeth (Christopher) Bunnell of Quechee, VT; and Philip (Meghan) Dalton of Sudbury, MA. He took immense pride in being a grandfather to 15 grandchildren: Kelly, Michael, Casey, Topher, George, Ford, Claire, Cassie, Eloise, Sam, Harry, Alice, Kane, Quentin, and Natalie, all of whom he adored deeply. He is survived by his former wife of 38 years, Alice Dalton, and his cousins, Ralph Ford and Dorothea (Andrew) Albero.

John's compassion, and resolute determination to uplift those around him left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Most of all though his incredible generosity to so many- family, friends, and beyond- is his true legacy, one which will live on in the memories and lives of those he touched.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 3, 2025, in St Agatha's Church, 432 Adams Street, Milton, MA at 10:30 am. Visiting Hours Thursday, January 2, 2025, in the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, 4 - 7 pm. Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers donations in John's Memory may be sent to the M.S.P.C.A., 350 Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.

Services

2 Jan

Visiting Hours

04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
3 Jan

Memorial Mass

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Saint Agatha Church 432 Adams Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • 10 TREES

    Laura Tarbet planted 10 trees in memory of John W. Dalton, M.D. . - January 02, 2025

Condolences

  • January 29, 2025

    Jack...you are a great friend and I miss you greatly.Per your request,I sang the Battle hymm the Republic.Put in a good word for me in heaven. I love you, Ed

  • January 02, 2025

    When I needed to secure a primary care physician back in the old days when all that began, I naturally asked my wife the RN: "Any suggestions"? Without any hesitation she said: " John Dalton". So began a mutually admirable relationship. Doctor/Patient but so much more. Yes I'd get peeved at him as my appointed time would come and go but eventually it would be my turn. As soon as we'd start talking about ongoing issues that would eventually morph into discussions about what a great nurse my wife was, our kids, the Red Sox, etc. It didn't take long for me to forget about the other patients now waiting past their appointed time. It was my time with Dr.John and nothing was going to speed up my visit. It was a great time to have a doctor like John who wasn't told by insurance companies or hospital boards of directors how long to spend with a patient or what to discuss. It was just you and him and no matter what your ailments were, you always felt better after a visit with Dr. John. It's comforting to know when my time comes to leave this earth, my doctor will be waiting to take care of me again for eternity.

  • January 02, 2025

    So sorry for the loss of Dr John dalton. We worked together for many years. He was a gentleman and a kind man who was always supportive of me. Will miss you!

  • January 02, 2025

    My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Dalton family. I was fortunate to know Dr. John Dalton as a kind respectful and caring person May he Rest In Peace Gisela Silverio

  • December 30, 2024

    To the Dalton family, the staff at Harbor Health and Daniel Driscoll - Neponset Health Center send our deepest sympathies for your loss. While many of us working at the health center today did not have the opportunity to work with him directly, his spirit of kindness and compassion for those in his care remains ever-present. We are grateful for his dedication to our patients and our community!

  • December 30, 2024

    On behalf of John's friends and '66 classmates at Bates College, I extend my condolences to John's family.

  • December 30, 2024

    I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Dalton. I worked for many years with him at QMC. He was one of the kindest people I know. He always had a big generous smile. My thoughts and prayers to his family

  • December 30, 2024

    I worked with John at the Neponset Health Center, part of Harbor Health Services many years ago. He was a wonderful man and and caring and compassionate physician. Both my wife, Sheila, and I benefited from his care when we needed a gastroenterologist. There are some people that just about every one likes, and John was certainly one of those.

  • December 28, 2024

    I met John in 1979 when I was an intern at Carney Hospital. We hit it off from day one since we were both foreign medical school grads - John from Brussels and I from Rome. John always had sage words of wisdom for a young doctor. Later in 1982 we shared an office at 101 Adams Street in Quincy and our friendship continued for many years at both Carney Hospital as well as Quincy Medical Center. John worked harder than any other physician I knew. He was totally dedicated to his patients. John would spend all the time a patient needed despite running late. His patients loved him. I am saddened to hear of his passing because I know how deeply he will be missed by his family as well as his many, many patients. Our deepest condolences from me and my wife, Ro, go out to John's whole family. God bless John and his family.

  • December 28, 2024

    How do you some up a man like Joh in a few words. You Can't. I met John in 1981 I was a Quincy Police Officer.Jerry Kirby introduced us. John became a friend and my Doctor. I could call him day or night and he always checked up on me. We shared political beliefs, and his nurse, Dolly, would always admonish me, don't talk about politics. Of course we always did. We attended an event for McCain in Boston, found out that was his honeymoon night :). I loved that guy. His love for his family was unmatched. We talked about you all. He so cared about you. They don't make them Like John Dalton MD. Anymore. Peace to the memory of this good man. !

  • December 28, 2024

    Dr. Dalton was truly one of a kind. We shared so many conversations (always interesting), and he gave me some great advice over the years. The world is a sadder place without this wonderful man but he is finally with his Mom again. RIP John

  • December 28, 2024

    RIP John Your Aunt Grace did a great job raising you. I liv ed across the street from you and remember you both. Frances Mendes

  • December 27, 2024

    The Rosenblatt family send their deepest sympathy to the Dalton family. My Dr.Dalton rest in peace. Gayle Rosenblatt

  • December 27, 2024

    Dr. Dalton was the best!! I was a patient of his in Quincy many years ago, you will not find a better Dr. He ran a great practice and due to Insurance reasons I could no longer see him or my primary Dr. Guy Spinelli who is also a fine Dr. RIP Dr. Dalton.

  • December 27, 2024

    RIP my dear friend. I will miss you

  • December 27, 2024

    Sorry to hear of John's passing. My sister, Nancy DeAngelis worked for him for a while and I knew him from Carney Hospital. He always had a smile and he made everyone around him feel good. He will be missed. Dr. Thomas Vorderer

  • December 26, 2024

    I was on the Board of Directors at Carney Hospital plus he was my MD for over 25 years. He was the best....compassionate..understanding and one classy MD you'll ever see...I'll miss you Dr...rest in peace...your with my dad now...as YOU ALWAYS spoke about him .. you can talk to him about all your baseball stories ❤️❤️🙏⚾️⚾️⚾️

  • December 26, 2024

    To the Dalton family, I was John's nurse for several years in his Quincy office. He was a dedicated doctor and truly a nice man. His sincerity and sense of humor was admirable. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Ruth Jones

  • December 26, 2024

    I knew Dr Dalton while working as an RN at Quincy Medical over 25 years ago. They don't make 'em much like him anymore-such a class act, true gentleman, through and through. He had a beautiful way about him. He treated everyone, staff and patients alike, with dignity and grace, and now he's in a much better place. May he rest in the sweetest of peace. Sorry for your loss. Beth McMahon

  • December 25, 2024

    I am very sorry to hear of Dr. Dalton's passing. He was a respected physician and a gentleman of Manny interests. I knew him from Carney Hospital when I worked th free there in the 80's & 90's. My condolences to hpis family. May he rest in peace. -Mike Sullivan

  • December 25, 2024

    Dr. Dalton was a super nice man. He always stopped at the desk to say "hello" and chat. I always heard positive comments about him from staff and patients. My condolences to his family.

  • December 25, 2024

    May he rest in peace

  • December 25, 2024

    So sorry for your loss , my condolences and prayers go out to you and the whole family❤️❤️❤️. Words can't explain how you feel when you lose a loved one , know that he is in Heaven now with GOD and is always with you and looking down on you, protecting, and loving you. Love and hugs to all of you . My you rest in peace Uncle John 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️ Laura Tarbet

  • December 24, 2024

    To the Dalton family, I worked with Dr. Dalton for many years at Quincy Medical Center. He was such a very kind man. He treated colleagues and patients with the same kindness. I worked in medical records, and he would always take a minute to just come in and say hello. My deepest sympathies are with you at this time. He was a wonderful man. Wendy Marshall

  • December 24, 2024

    oh no... he was the kindest man. I remember him walking down the halls with his suitcase, full of "equipment." lol. He was always so respectful to his patients to all of us.. RIP

  • December 24, 2024

    My deepest sympathy to the family. I worked with Dr. Dalton for many years at Carney. What a great doctor and such a kind and gentle man.

  • December 24, 2024

    There are few people I have known, that I enjoyed every conversation I ever had with, Like I did with John. My memories go back to a time when he and Alice took my sister Dorothea and I for picnic on the Canal to his visits to New Jersey when home from Medical School. He was one of the last old school Physicians and an adoring father that loved to talk about his children. He went quick, God must have really Liked him!

  • December 24, 2024

    Words cannot express the depth of the admiration I had for this man I had the privilege to work with him for the final 6 years in his practice and a kinder more compassionate soul I never met Rest in Peace Dr Dalton until we meet again

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