JOHN PAUL DABNEY, 1932 – 2024

John Paul Dabney died peacefully at home in San Carlos at the age of 92.

John Dabney was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1932, graduated from Dartmouth College, and earned his master’s of social work from Columbia University.

John had a long and impactful career in mental health and psychiatric social services that supported critically ill mental health patients and reshaped policies and agencies in San Mateo County.

John and Jane Dabney were married for 42 years. They enjoyed the opera, extensive travels (often in search of rocks!), and hosting meals and holiday parties which featured their gourmet cooking. John and Jane spent many summers camping in the high Sierras with one of their beloved German Shepherds while he enjoyed gold panning. John so loved the stars he slept on a tarp without a tent, regardless of weather.

John surrounded himself with hundreds of interesting rocks, crystals, and minerals, and joyfully kept his home full of flowers, especially stunning dahlias from his garden. He was deeply curious and interested in people and ideas. He sought to understand and meaningfully connect with all whom he knew. He loved music from around the world, and especially Bluegrass, and was a co-sponsor of the annual Hicks-Dabney Bluegrass Campout from 2010-2012.

Neighbors were devoted to him, the “rock of the neighborhood.” Known for his exuberant “hello!” and his generosity of spirit, neighbors of all generations came to appreciate this loving, intelligent, empathetic man. The evening after he died, over forty people turned out to toast and honor John.

John’s wife, Jane Hansen Dabney, died in 2007. His brother, William Dabney, 91, survives him. He is also survived by nieces Fiona Grandi and Monica Dabney, nephew Joseph Dabney, their spouses, 6 grand-nephews and nieces, by Jane’s cousin Lois Salisbury and family, and a loving community of friends and neighbors. 

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