Josh Dimino Salem MA Obituary, Death, Car Accident: It is with broken hearts and immeasurable sorrow that we share the devastating news of the untimely passing of Josh Dimino, a cherished member of the Salem, Massachusetts community and the beloved bartender at Hale Street Tavern Oyster Bar. Josh was taken from us far too soon in a tragic car accident that has left his family, friends, coworkers, and countless others reeling with grief and disbelief.
Josh was so much more than his job title. He was a light in every room, a source of joy and laughter, and a soul whose warmth was felt instantly by all who crossed his path. To know Josh was to be drawn into his orbit of boundless energy, humor, and kindness. He was the kind of person who could lift your spirits with just a smile, who made strangers feel like old friends, and who had an innate gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved.
Born and raised with strong family values and an infectious sense of humor, Josh carried those traits into every part of his life. His cousin, Sara Kirubi, shared the painful confirmation of his passing with the world—a moment that none of us wanted to believe was real. In her words, filled with heartbreak and tenderness, she reminded us just how deeply Josh was loved by his family, and how shocking this loss has been for those who knew him best.
The team at Hale Street Tavern expressed it beautifully: Josh wasn’t just a coworker. He was the heartbeat of the establishment—a brother to many, the “life of the party,” and a friend whose laughter could carry across the busiest dining room. Behind the bar, Josh was more than just someone who served drinks. He created experiences. He remembered names, asked about your day, offered advice when you needed it (and jokes when you didn’t), and turned every night into something special.
From The Derby in Salem to Hale Street in Beverly, and in the hearts of countless patrons and coworkers, Josh’s memory lives on in every story, every smile, and every glass raised in his honor. It’s hard to imagine walking into either of those places and not being greeted by his familiar face, his effortless charm, and that ever-present twinkle in his eye. To his family, Josh was a beloved cousin, a loyal friend, a protector, and a source of pride and love. He was someone who brought people together, who made holidays brighter, and who reminded all of us that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about connection, commitment, and unconditional love.
His presence at every gathering, big or small, meant that laughter would follow, and memories would be made. To his friends, Josh was the glue. The one you called when you needed to talk, the first to show up when things got tough, and the last to leave when the night was winding down. He gave so much of himself to others—his time, his energy, his compassion—without ever expecting anything in return. That was just who he was. Josh’s legacy is not one defined by fame or fortune, but by impact. The real kind—the kind that sticks with you.
He made ordinary days feel special. He brought out the best in people simply by being himself. And he showed us all how to live in the moment, how to love out loud, and how to never take anything—or anyone—for granted. Though our hearts are shattered, we are not without gratitude. Gratitude that we got to know him, laugh with him, and love him. Gratitude for every late-night conversation, every hilarious moment, every shared meal, and every time he made someone feel like they mattered.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 20th at 2:00 PM at Temple Sinai (1 Community Road, Marblehead, MA), where his family, friends, and loved ones will come together to honor a life that touched so many. And as a community that Josh helped build with his spirit, we’ll gather again—on Sunday, April 13th at 4:00 PM—at Hale Street Tavern and The Derby to raise a glass, to share stories, and to celebrate the man who made our lives so much richer just by being in them. Let us remember Josh not by how he left us, but by how he lived. With joy, with kindness, with humor, and with a heart so big it wrapped around everyone he met.
We extend our deepest condolences to Josh’s family, especially during this unimaginable time. Please know that you are surrounded by a community of people who loved Josh dearly and who are holding you in their hearts. As we say goodbye to a truly remarkable soul, let us carry forward his legacy. Let us be kinder to one another. Let us laugh more, love more, and raise a glass in honor of a man who gave us all so much.
