John R. Symington, Jr.
Aug 11th, 2022
John R. Symington, Jr. of Dennis, son of the late John R. Sr. and Alma (Batty) Symington, passed away on August 11, 2022. He was the husband of Susan N. Kline-Symington.
John Symington will not be coming down to breakfast anymore. After a valiant and long battle with liver disease, his organs began to shut down and his body gave up its fight on August 11, 2022. He led a life of patience, kindness, and public service.
After several childhood summers visiting Dennis, John’s family moved down to the Cape when he was ten. Many storied memories were created growing up in Dennis village! He attended Ezra H. Baker Elementary School and Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School before attending Northeastern University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and met his wife, Susan. He later would complete a master’s degree with Anna Maria College.
John spent a 33-year career with the Dennis Police Department where he held every rank except captain and retired after spending the last ten years as Chief. He was proudest of his accomplishments in developing community policing programs and obtaining initial grant funding to begin the department’s victim services program.
Following retirement in 2003, John enjoyed many trips to visit his children in the various places they lived throughout the years and spending time puttering around his home, planning and researching his model train redesign of the New Haven and Hyannis and Cape Cod Railroads, as well as watching the birds that frequented his many feeders and birdbaths. He loved having more time to spend with family and friends.
Forever in the hearts of family and friends, John is pre-deceased by his parents, Alma and Jack Symington, and is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Ashley and her animals, son Marc and his fiancé Liz and their dog Cali, and his brother Larry and sister-in-law Nancy along with numerous nieces and nephews to whom he was Uncle John and Uncle Bart. He treasured his role as Papa John to Sullivan and Ada West, children of Alison and Tyler West of Tennessee.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA on Thursday, August 18, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 PM. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 19, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Dennis Union Church, Route 6A, Dennis, MA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Dennis Memorial Library, 1020 Old Bass River Road, Dennis, MA 02638 or the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund at 444 E. Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001.
Guest Book
To the family Sorry for your loss. John was a great friend he will be missed.
Sioux, my heart goes out to you and your family in your time of sorrow.
Dear Sue, Ashley and Marc, Please know you have my deepest sympathy. Bart will live on in the memories of all those he helped, those who shared his humor and integrity, those who only met him as Chief and more. If only we all could be as brave and courageous. Love, Patricia
Ashley and Sioux, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you both and your family.
John was a classmate at Northeastern University College of Criminal Justice. He was a dedicated public servant to the residents of Dennis and will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to Susan and the family. R.I.P.
My condolences and much love sent to you all. I will keep you all in prayer. Deborah
My condolences and much love sent to you all. I will keep you all in prayer. Deborah
My condolences and much love sent to you all. I will keep you all in prayer. Deborah
Dear Sioux, Ashley, and Marc, We are so very sorry to learn of John’s passing. He was always such a beacon of friendliness that is now dimmed. Please know we are holding you in our thoughts with love and sympathy.