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John Dillon Obituary

Of Somerville, suddenly, July 22, 2008. Beloved husband of Catherine F. (Grady). Loving father of Elaine K. LaMonte and her husband Ted of Tewksbury, Janice M. Guidi and her husband Greg of Wakefield, Leslie A. Macone and her husband John of Stoneham and Susanne M. Friel and her husband Michael of Bedford. Brother of Corinne Cremins of NH, Edna Murphy of Somerville, Jeanne Dillonof Lynnfield and Robert Dillon of Woburn. Dear grandfather of Ashley, Kaitlyn, Jonathan, Jared, and Jillian. Also survived by many nieces & nephews. Funeral procession from the George L. Doherty Funeral Service, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.), SOMERVILLE, Saturday morning at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Clement Church, Somerville at 10 o'clock. Relatives and friends invited. Calling hours Friday 4-8. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's name to the American Cancer Society, MA Division, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. Veteran US Army, Korea and late member Teamsters Local #25, Boston. For more informaiton visit: dohertyfuneralservice.com.

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Published by Boston Globe on Jul. 24, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Dillon

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Dad at Jonathan's Confirmation celebration

March 7, 2009

Susanne Friel

January 25, 2009

It has been six months since we lost our dad! There has not been a day that I don't talk to you dad and wish you were here. We miss you so very much. Our lives have forever changed. You have made your presence known to me and you have become my angel. I often find feathers in my home and that has been my sign! You do live on!!! Jillie, Michael and I talk about you all the time. We are taking good care of mom - Don't Worry Be Happy! I love you dad! Love, Susanne

Susanne Friel

July 28, 2008

On behalf of the entire Dillon family, I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of you for your love and support during this incredibly difficult time. It is truly a testimony to my father’s legacy to see so many of you here this morning to honor him.

It is with a very heavy heart that I stand before you to honor a man who was Our Everything – Our Hero. How could one man be so strong in resolve, yet so gentle in his approach to raising four daughters?

Dad was first and foremost a gentleman, and mom won the lottery when she married dad on December 5, 1953. Mom would always tell us girls that if you married a husband who was half the man of your father then you struck gold. Mom always knew she married a class act!

My sisters and my fondest memories of dad are truly endless. But memorable moments were when we were little girls and dad would come home after a long day’s work. We would all sit in the kitchen eating dinner while discussing the day’s events. Dad and mom always took a keen interest in the daily details that shaped our young lives, regardless how trivial in nature they actually were. The dinner hour was always a very special time for us.

Dad was also a man of conviction with a strong sense of right and wrong. We will never forget the night that Dad woke us all up because we had gone to bed without doing the dishes. This was a monumental faux pas from Dad’s standpoint because we were raised with certain standards and expectations. Although we couldn’t believe he did this, we knew he was right.

We will never forget dad teaching us all how to drive. We take pride in that all four of us mastered parallel parking better than any of our husbands!

Now when it came to the subject of boyfriends, we could write a book. There were many rules and regulations. One example was that before we could ever go out on a date, dad demanded that our boyfriend come up to introduce himself to both him and mom. This rule was non-negotiable!


We remember dad telling our boyfriends that they are not to use “bad language” especially not in front of his girls! Dad was a man who commanded respect!

Dad’s attributes are immeasurable:

Kind
Thoughtful
Wise
Patient
Generous
Sweet, and
Strong.

Dad always taught us the difference between right and wrong. Even now as grown women, our superegos are highly intact. Those little voices come through loud and clear. They often say…what would mom and dad think!

Dad set an exemplary example with mom on how women should conduct themselves and more importantly how they should be treated. Dad always treated mom with the utmost respect and dignity!

Dad was like a baseball card, a precious stone or vintage automobile - Rare and Valuable! We wouldn’t have traded him for anything.

In closing, we are better women today for having Jack Dillon as our dad! Your wisdom and gentle strength and now endless spirit will continue to guide us on each of our life’s journey!







Dad will live on in our hearts and souls!

Dad left an indelible mark on all who knew him!

Our hearts ache dad! We will love and cherish you always!

Your number One Daughter, Elaine
Your number Two Daughter, Janice
Your number Three Daughter, Leslie
And Me Your number Four Daughter, Susanne

Christine Kilburn

July 28, 2008

Leslie, John, Jonathan, and Jared,

Bob, the kids and I were very sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad (and Grampie). We send you all of our love.

Larry and Diane Mulrey

July 25, 2008

Kay and family. As a neighbor for over 30yrs We have had a lot of great memories with Jack. My kids Larry and Lydia are so saddened by Jack's Sudden passing. Diane and I will miss Our daily talks with Jack both early in the morning and later at night. We all knew Jack would always keep an eye on the house when we went on vacations.When we returned ,he would always give us the full report. Personally, I will miss him as a real friend and will always have him in my heart every Day .May God take Good care of you Jack. Your friend Larry Mulrey

Jennifer Ross

July 25, 2008

Mrs. Dillon, Elaine, Janice, Leslie and Suzanne, Please accept my deepest sympathies on the passing of your husband and father. We could always count on your father to keep watch over the neighborhood.

Jimmy Logan

July 25, 2008

Aunt Kate, Elaine, Janice, Leslie and Susanne, I just want you to know my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you all and your families.

Franny Macone

July 25, 2008

Dear Kay and Girls,

Our thoughts are with you all, as well as with Jack’s brother and sisters, his son-in-laws, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Jillian, Jonathan and Jared. Jack had such a presence about him and will be missed by all of us who have had the honor of knowing him. Remember and think of him with a smile on your face…

Leslie Macone

July 24, 2008

One version of...
John S. Dillon, Jr's Eulogy:


Dad was a simple man—not materialistic in any way. All he ever needed was his family and friends and neighbors.

He idolized my Mom. They had a great marriage, which was made up of mutual respect, admiration, and nurtured with great communication throughout the past 55 years.

Dad adored his 4 daughters and was very involved with our upbringing. He had lots of nicknames for his girls but also referred to us as daughter # 1, 2, 3, 4. He took time to have personal conversations with each of us--especially when we started to date boys. He taught us right from wrong in a loving way.

Jack was also proud of his sons in law. He treated them as if they were his own 4 sons. Dad always protected his daughters and would not allow any “bad words” to be spoken in his house—especially in front of his girls. Grampie loved his 5 grandchildren and being a special part of our families. He enjoyed listening to our stories and always asked what was going on with all of our lives. His sons in law say that our Dad was a CLASS ACT. They loved him, too, as a father in law and considered him to be the ultimate example of a perfect gentleman.

Dad loved talking with his brothers and sisters. Bobby, he really appreciated receiving your daily phone call every day at 4 p.m.

Jack Dillon was a hard worker and proud member of Teamsters Local 25. During the week, he left the house at 6 a.m. and returned about 8 p.m. Even though he would be exhausted after driving and unloading an 18 wheeler truck all day long, he was always there for us. We all cherished the time we spent with him in the kitchen while he was eating his dinner. He would tell us about his day and, likewise, we told Dad about our day.

Our family enjoyed going to the Cape each summer and packing all our friends (usually on laps) and Sissy into the big white car. God knows why the car didn’t collapse with the load of people it was carrying. Friday night was the time we all looked forward to. That meant Dad was coming to the Cape to be with us for the weekend, and we would have even more fun. The highlight was when he brought us to Bourne to ride the Go-Karts.

Dad was always in a good mood—he was a low key kind of guy. One of his favorite songs was, DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY.

One of his simple pleasures in life was to sit on the front porch “in his chair.” Dad was definitely a “homebody.” His home was his palace and there was no other place in the world he would rather have been. Dad was often referred to as the MAYOR OF ELECTRIC AVE. He looked forward to each and every one of the neighbors stopping by to sit and chat with Jack. He was friendly to all he met and developed wonderful relationships with people during his life of 77 years.

As most people know, Dad was a Veteran of the US Army. His role as Sergeant was something that he was very proud of, and he felt fortunate to have served his country in that capacity.

Dad, we all love you so much and will miss you terribly. You were the best Dad and Husband that anyone could ask for. Our lives will never be the same without you.

Love, Elaine, Janice, Leslie and Susanne

David & Kathleen Friel

July 24, 2008

Mrs. Dillon, Elaine, Janice, Leslie and Susanne, please accept our heartfelt condolences.

James (Jimmy) Bacchi

July 24, 2008

Jack was a great neighbor to everyone on the street, as a kid I remember him always sitting on the front porch as the unofficial policeman of the street. When I joined the Marines we would have long conversations about his time in the military and he gave me a new nickname "SARGE". I always looked forward going home and seeing him to say hello. I will miss you Jack!

Debbie Tartarini

July 24, 2008

Leslie, John, Jonathan and Jared:
We are so sorry for your loss, and please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.If we can help in any way..we are here for you.

Cathie Bowen

July 24, 2008

Dear Susanne and family,

My deepest sympathy for your sudden loss. May your memories of
wonderful times be foremost in your minds and hearts forever.

Judy Medeiros/O'Brien

July 24, 2008

Bob and family. I'm sorry to hear of your loss and my thoughts are with you all.

Sarah Harrington

July 24, 2008

Leslie, John, Jonathan & Jared,

I was devastated to hear about your father Leslie. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Love,
Sarah

Peter & Jackie Fourtounis

July 24, 2008

Jack was a great neighbor and a wonderful man. We will miss seeing him sitting on his front porch and we will miss the enjoyable conversations we had with him. He was always a good friend and willing to help anyone in the neighborhood. We are sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers.

Karen O'Brien-Trahan

July 24, 2008

Elaine and family.
Sorry for the loss of your father. Mr. Dillon was always very nice to "the girls" when we visited. He had a great smile and a roaring laugh.

RITA AND AL VENTURA

July 24, 2008

DEAR KAY AND FAMILY, PLEASE ACCEPT OUR DEEPEST CONDOLANCES FOR THE PASSING OF JACK. HE WAS A GREAT GENTLEMAN AND FAMILY GUY.

Michael and Katy Smith

July 24, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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