With sadness, we have learned of the death of Frank Dinello, the founder and director of the DePaul Mental Health Clinic.  Frank passed away on June 12, 2024 at the age of 95.  He is survived by his wife, five children, nine grandchildren, great-grandchild, and extended family and friends.

Frank’s life exemplified the strength of family and the transformative power of education. It was marked by a commitment to his loved ones, to the DePaul University community, where he worked for over two decades, and to the people of Holiday Island, Arkansas, where he retired.

Frank served at DePaul for 23 years, making a substantial impact as a faculty member, a distinguished scholar, and a compassionate therapist.  Frank was known for his conscientious commitment to his students and patients.

As a Professor, he developed a highly regarded clinical training program for graduate students. As a researcher, Frank made lasting contributions to the practice of therapy through the publication of 21 scientific papers, providing valuable insights and advancing our knowledge in the fields of psychology and mental health.

His expertise in psychology was not only academic but also deeply personal, as he was tirelessly devoted to caregiving and mental wellness. As the founder and director of DePaul University’s Mental Health Clinic, he provided crucial psychological services to the Chicago community and ensured that those in need had accessible care. Doing outreach for the Clinic’s services, he personally visited various neighborhoods, such as nearby, now redeveloped, Cabrini-Green Housing Project. Remarkably, he even created and maintained the major source of funding for the Clinic by writing and receiving 22 grants from the Illinois Dept. of Mental Health — a manifestation of his tenacity and success.

For his outstanding service to mental health and education, he was honored by DePaul University when he was awarded the title “Affiliate of the Congregation of the Mission”. This is the highest honor conferred by the DePaul Congregation and verifies Frank’s decades of involvement with and dedication to Vincentian initiatives.

During his time at DePaul and even after his retirement, Frank also worked for over three decades as a tribunal psychologist for the Archdiocese of Chicago, further demonstrating his profound devotion to his community. His ability to balance professional responsibilities, community service, and family life was a testament to his remarkable character.  His legacy of academic excellence, professional determination, and community service will be fondly remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

Services for Frank will be held on August 24 in Arkansas, where he retired.  A full obituary and online condolences may be found at: https://www.crevassesimplecremation.com/obituary/frank-dinello