Josh Dimino Death: Today, we gather with heavy hearts and tearful eyes to mourn the loss of our dear friend, our family member, our brother in spirit—Josh Dimino. There are no words that can fully capture the kind of person Josh was, or the depth of the loss we all feel in his absence. But today, through tears and smiles, we try to honor him the only way we know how—with love, with stories, and with gratitude for the time we had.
Josh was more than just a coworker—he was the very heartbeat of Hale Street Tavern. For years, he poured his soul into this place, not just as an employee, but as a pillar of warmth, energy, and connection. He had that rare, magnetic spirit that made everyone feel welcome the moment they walked through our doors. Whether you were a first-time guest or a long-time regular, Josh made you feel like you belonged.
To know Josh was to laugh with him. He had a quick wit, a loud and joyful laugh, and a gift for turning even the most mundane moment into something memorable. He made late-night shifts feel like parties, slow days feel like stories in the making, and busy nights manageable just with his presence. He had a way of showing up exactly when you needed him—whether that meant picking up a shift, sharing a laugh, or just giving you a look that said, “We got this.”
Josh Dimino Salem Massachusetts Obituary: Bartender At Hale Street Tavern Oyster Bar Has Died
But Josh wasn’t just the life of the party—he was the party. He brought people together in a way that few can. He remembered birthdays, celebrated victories big and small, and made sure no one ever felt like they were on the outside looking in. His warmth extended far beyond the bar or the dining room—it was in every high-five, every joke shouted across the kitchen, every hug at the end of a long shift.
From the back of the house to the front, Josh built bridges. He created community in a place that could easily be just a job, and transformed it into a family. He had an uncanny ability to read the room and lift the energy. He listened deeply and laughed loudly. He gave hugs that meant something, advice that came from the heart, and friendship that never wavered.
There are countless stories we could tell about Josh—nights when he danced in the kitchen, impromptu karaoke sessions that brought down the house, or those infamous moments where he had everyone in stitches just by being himself. These memories now become treasures, the kind we’ll hold onto forever.
But even more powerful than the memories are the ways he made us feel. Josh made you feel seen. He made you feel like you mattered. And that’s a legacy not many people can leave behind.
As we come to terms with this sudden and heartbreaking loss, our grief is softened ever so slightly by the outpouring of love we’ve seen from the community. It’s a testament to the impact Josh had on so many lives. The notes, the visits, the shared stories—they all remind us that we’re not alone in this loss. We are united, not just in our sorrow, but in our love for someone who meant so much to so many.
On Sunday, April 13th at 4 PM, we will come together to raise a glass to Josh. We’ll celebrate his life the way he would have wanted—surrounded by laughter, good people, and stories told over drinks. We’ll toast to the memories, the moments, and the man who gave us so much. And we’ll make it loud enough for him to hear us, wherever he is.
So please, join us. Bring your stories. Bring your smiles. Bring your hearts. Because Josh’s legacy isn’t just in the work he did—it’s in the people he touched. It’s in us. And on that day, we will make sure he feels the love tenfold.
In honor of Josh, we also invite anyone who wishes to share their favorite stories or photos to reach out. We want to create a memory wall, both digital and physical, so that Josh’s spirit continues to live and breathe through the people he loved.
To his family—we extend our deepest condolences. Please know that Josh wasn’t just loved. He was adored. He was respected, celebrated, and cherished in this place he helped shape. We thank you for sharing him with us. He made our lives infinitely brighter.
To our staff, our guests, and all those who considered Josh a friend—we know the days ahead won’t be easy. But we also know that Josh would want us to carry on with strength, laughter, and a bit of mischief. He’d want us to show up, to take care of each other, and to never let the music stop.
Josh Dimino, you were one of a kind. A true original. You lived big, loved deeply, and gave everything you had to the people around you. Your legacy is etched into the very fabric of Hale Street Tavern—and into the hearts of every single person who had the privilege of knowing you.
We miss you already. We will miss you always.
But we will never, ever forget you.
Rest easy, brother. And keep the party going up there—save us a seat.