Frank Dinello

In Loving Memory

Frank A. Dinello

May 28, 1929 - June 12, 2024

Obituary of Frank A. Dinello

With deep sadness, we announce the death of Frank A. Dinello, aged 95, on June 12, 2024. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle, Frank will be lovingly remembered by his cherished wife of 68 years Ann Dinello, and their five children — Donna [Gene] MacDonald, Lori [Tony] Romeo, Linda [Jim] Surles, Paul [Danielle] Dinello, and David [Danuta] Dinello. He leaves behind his nine grandchildren — Nicolette, Christopher, Michael, Adriana, Mia, Amy, Giancarlo, Luca, and Gina as well as his one great-granddaughter, Rosemary. Frank will be mourned by his brother Dan [Maureen] Dinello, his nephew Bryan [Nazlin] Dinello and his niece Dana Dinello.

Frank's life exemplified the strength of family and the transformative power of education. It was marked by a commitment to his loved ones, to the DePaul University community, where he worked for over two decades, and to the people of Holiday Island, Arkansas, where he retired.

Frank grew up in Chicago and Elmwood Park, Illinois. He graduated from Proviso East High School where he ran track and field. As a young man, Frank learned to play the violin and excelled at it. In fact, he was so gifted that he was awarded a music scholarship to Wichita State University. After a year of study, he decided against music as a career. Still, he loved playing the violin, especially classical music. He honed his skill throughout his life and often performed movingly for family and friends.

Frank served his country in the Army during the Korean War. After his service, Frank utilized the GI Bill to graduate with a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Navy Pier in Chicago. He married his beloved wife Ann in 1956, which he called the “greatest single smart move I ever made.” Despite the challenges of working full-time to support his growing family, Frank pursued graduate studies, attending night classes at Loyola University Chicago, where he succeeded in earning both an M.A. and a Ph.D.

Hired immediately as an Associate Professor by DePaul University Chicago, Frank’s professional life there spanned 23 years. He made a substantial impact as a faculty member, a distinguished scholar, and a compassionate therapist. Achieving full professorship rank, Frank was known for his conscientious commitment to his students and patients.

As a Professor, he developed a highly regarded clinical training program for graduate students. As a researcher, Frank made lasting contributions to the practice of therapy through the publication of 21 scientific papers, providing valuable insights and advancing our knowledge in the fields of psychology and mental health.

His expertise in psychology was not only academic but also deeply personal, as he was tirelessly devoted to caregiving and mental wellness. As the Founder and Director of DePaul University’s Mental Health Clinic, he provided crucial psychological services to the Chicago community and ensured that those in need had accessible care. Doing outreach for the Clinic’s services, he personally visited various neighborhoods, such as the nearby, now-redeveloped, Cabrini-Green housing project. Remarkably, he even created and maintained the major source of funding for the Clinic by writing and receiving 22 grants from the Illinois Dept. of Mental Health — a manifestation of his tenacity and success.

For his outstanding service to mental health and education, he was honored by DePaul University when he was awarded the title “Affiliate of the Congregation of the Mission”. This is the highest honor conferred by the DePaul Congregation and verifies Frank’s “decades of involvement with and dedication to Vincentian initiatives.”

During his time at DePaul and even after his retirement, Frank also worked — for over three decades — as a tribunal psychologist for the Archdiocese of Chicago further demonstrating his profound devotion to his community. A modest man, his ability to balance professional responsibilities, community service, and family life was a testament to his remarkable character.

Frank and his loving wife and soul-mate Ann retired, in 1985, to Holiday Island, Arkansas, where they had built their dream-house on a hill overlooking Table Rock Lake. There his community service remained extensive: he ran a Cancer Survivors Group, served on the Board of Directors of Eureka Springs Hospital and worked as a Commissioner in the Holiday Island government. Along with his busy professional life, Frank and Ann enjoyed frequent visits with their flourishing family.

A good athlete, Frank was an avid golfer and, amazingly, played the sport until he turned ninety-three. He loved playing with his friends and his sons at the Holiday Island Golf courses. He also competed in tournaments, where he won several trophies, and achieved numerous holes-in-one.

In this time of sorrow, we his family find comfort in remembering Frank’s passion and love as a husband and father. Further, we know that Frank’s legacy of academic excellence, professional determination, and community service will be fondly remembered and cherished by all who knew him. His memory will live on within us and within the lives he touched.

Location: Please contact St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church; 30 Crescent Dr., Eureka Springs, AR 72632 or the Family for date and time of service.

Background photo courtesy of Nicolette Surles: “The Arkansas landscape from the view of Frank and Ann’s house”.