Kevin Michael Dineen, 55, of Ortley Beach, NJ, passed away on May 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, laughter, love, and countless lives touched for the better.

Born in Framingham, Massachusetts, and raised in Toms River, New Jersey, Kevin had a heart big enough for every place he called home — from West Seneca, Buffalo to the Jersey Shore.

He was a proud graduate of Toms River High School North, East Stroudsburg University, and later earned his master’s degree from New Jersey City University.

Kevin spent over three decades making a difference in education through his work at the Ocean County Vocational Technical School, where he served as a teacher, recruiter, and principal. Just recently announced, he was being named a member of the OCVTS Foundation.

After retiring in July 2024, Kevin dove back into his passion for fitness, earning multiple certifications and helping others reach their goals through personal training — because Kevin never stopped finding ways to lift people up.

A lifelong hockey coach, Kevin poured his heart into every team, player, and game — especially when it came to his two sons, Cam and Ryan. His love for them knew no bounds. He was their biggest fan, their coach, their guide. Kevin taught them to chase dreams with confidence, to never settle, and to believe that anything was possible.

Their passions were his passions. Whether it was hockey, military service, clothes, or sneakers, Kevin was all in — because when Kevin loved you, he loved all of you.

Kevin’s energy was magnetic. He lit up at concerts (especially Pearl Jam), loved mountain biking through trails, and had a deep appreciation for great food — especially if it came with a good sauce. His quick wit, wide smile, and ability to connect with anyone made him unforgettable.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Melissa “Missy” Dineen, his sons Cam and Ryan Dineen and his special girls Sam & Riley, his parents Pat and Sandy Dineen, father-in-law Fred Felice, his brother Tony Dineen and sister-in-law Valerie, sister-in-law Sue Perlee and brother-in-law Chris Perlee, sister-in-law Diane Felice, brother-in-law Rick Felice, and many cherished niece and nephews: Jess & Jason Perlee, Jack & Gabe Felice, Corey, Colby, and Chris Dineen. He is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, JoAnn Felice.

True to his character, Kevin was an organ donor — continuing to help others, even in passing. That’s just who he was.

A celebration of Kevin’s life will be held on Monday, May 12th from 3–7 PM at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753.

Please come as you are — casual clothes, good stories, and lots of love — just the way Kevin would have wanted.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The OCVTS Foundation. Maureen Gritschke, Mgritschke@ocvts.org