Dino Gentili, 91, a lifelong resident of Framingham, died Monday, December 29, 2025 with family at his side. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Ernesto & Adele (Paolini) Gentili, and the beloved husband of the late Lucille (Creasey) Gentili.
Raised and educated in Framingham, Dino served his country honorably in the United States Army, where he received the medal of good conduct. He met his wife Lucille while stationed at Fort Lee, VA. They married in Petersburg, VA and settled in Framingham. Dino served his community proudly with the Framingham Fire Department for 29 years. He was a graduate of MassBay Community College, earning his associates degree in Fire Sciences. Dino was also a member of the Laborer’s International Union of America, Local 609. A skilled mason and carpenter, he worked trade jobs with many of his friends from the firehouse. After retiring, he kept busy by working part-time with his son doing contract commercial cleaning.
Adored for his generous heart and gentle nature, Dino lived a life of service to his community. Whether he was supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association or assisting at the Boston Marathon, he gave of himself freely and without expectation. A man who shunned the spotlight, Dino’s legacy is one of quiet compassion and the many lives he touched behind the scenes.
Dino enjoyed playing golf, hunting and fishing outdoors. He loved to cook many traditional Italian dishes and sharing his recipes with family and friends. Dino was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. He and Lucille enjoyed traveling to many places including Italy, California, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda and beyond. He always enjoyed wherever Lucille took him.
Guided by his Catholic faith, Dino was an active parishioner at St. Tarcisius Parish. He belonged to several clubs over the years including the Dramatic Club, Eagles Club, Elks Club, Columbus Club, and the Southborough Rod & Gun Club.
Dino was a devoted family man who loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Carol Cromack and her husband Keith of Westford, Paul and his wife Shari of Framingham, Donald of Marlborough, and Sharon Shigley and her husband Gregg of Bellingham, his grandchildren, Joe, Elizabeth, Adam, Jeffrey, Robin, Holly, Laura, and Aaron, his 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife Lucille, he was predeceased by his siblings, Primo, Renata Ingenito, and Angelina Warren.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Dino’s life by gathering for visiting hours at the Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 53 Beech St. Framingham on Wednesday January 7th from 4-7PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday morning at St. Tarcisius Church, 562 Waverly St. Framingham at 11 o’clock. Interment will follow at St. Tarcisius Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dino’s name to the charity of your choice.
To share a memory with the Gentili family, kindly visit www.nortonfuneralhome.com
McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home