Groveland - John Randolph Dimitry, age 95, of Groveland MA, passed away on August 26, 2024. He was the youngest of four sons born to Dracos Alexander Dimitry and Elisabeth Stanton (Bisland) Dimitry.

A Detroit native, John withdrew from high school to join the U.S. Army, having served as a Corporal and then a First Lieutenant. He later received his GED and went on to earn bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral degrees at Wayne State University leading to a distinguished lifetime career in education. He served as a faculty member at Highland Park Junior College in Michigan, teaching history and political science and was the founding president of the local faculty union. He joined the administration at Macomb County Community College in Michigan as the Director of Research and Development, becoming the president of Macomb at the age of 38. In 1975, John left Michigan to become the second president of Northern Essex Community College in Massachusetts, serving until his retirement in 1996. During his tenure at the helm, enrollment tripled, degree and certificate programs expanded dramatically, and he spearheaded several innovative public-private partnerships. The highlight of his presidency was the acquisition of a privately donated building to serve as the college's permanent campus in Lawrence. In 1996, then Governor William Weld presided at the dedication of this facility, naming it the John R. Dimitry building.

John was a staunch advocate for public higher education and his many achievements were widely recognized. He was active in several professional and service organizations reflecting his diverse interests and commitments to education and the community. He loved the outdoors, sailing, and enjoying walks and gathering wood at his former West Newbury home.

John is survived by his wife of 72 years, Audrey O Dimitry, his two children Jane Stanton Dimitry of Boston MA, and Kate Galipeau and her husband, Jim of Dalton, MA, as well as a granddaughter, Lauren Galipeau and her husband, Jason Bernotsky and great-granddaughter, Natalie. John's son, Mark, predeceased him.

Funeral arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the John and Audrey Dimitry Scholarship Fund, c/o the Institutional Advancement Office, Northern Essex Community College, 100 Elliott Street, Haverhill, MA 01830.

To share a memory or for more information, please visit www.farmerfuneralhomes.com.