Emile J. Dion Jr.

EXETER ; Emile J. (Chip) Dion, Jr., instructor emeritus of modern languages at Phillips Exeter Academy, died unexpectedly on Feb. 6, 2008, while on a family vacation in Santiago, Chile.

Chip came to the Academy's department of modern languages in 1962 and served the school with distinction until his retirement in January 2007.

During his 45 years at Exeter, he brought foreign language and literature to life for nearly 6,000 students. He was an honorary member of the Class of 1966.

Having acquired his passion for modern languages while cruising in the Mediterranean as a naval officer, Chip was fluent in and taught Spanish, French, and German. He served as director of the summer school as well as chair of the Modern Languages Department. As a veteran teacher, he was recognized as a valuable and supportive mentor to new faculty members.

Throughout his time at Exeter, he was a champion of modern languages. He is credited with bringing the Chinese language program to the curriculum. He was an avid proponent of off-campus programs; he served as a resident director of the school's term abroad programs in Cuernavaca, Mexico and Grenoble, France, and was on Exeter's School Year Abroad (SYA) Committee for many years. He also coached club tennis, soccer, and swimming.

Chip was a resident faculty member in Peabody Hall, Kirtland, and Browning House, spending a combined total of 26 years as the dorm head in these residences. During his time in the dorm, he was commended by former Principal Kendra Stearns O'Donnell for his "energy, leadership, and caring attitude."

In 1982, Chip was appointed the Percy C. Rogers Professor of Romance Languages. He was given the Brown Award in 1989, which goes to teachers who have shown outstanding performance as educators. In 1996, he was the recipient of the Rupert Radford Faculty Fellowship Award, which recognizes faculty and administrative personnel for distinguished and faithful service. In 1997, he received the George S. Heyer, Jr. '48 Teaching Fund Award, given in recognition of the highest intellectual merit, devoted service, and lengthy tenure.

Born in Derry, N.H., Chip graduated high school from Pinkerton Academy. He earned his B.A. degree from the University of New Hampshire and his M.A. and M.Ed. degrees from Harvard University.

He leaves his wife, Grace, and three children, Skip, PEA graduate 1985, Jennifer, PEA graduate 1990, and Christopher, PEA graduate 1995.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Emile Joseph Dion, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, Phillips Exeter Academy, 20 Main St., Exeter, NH, 03833, Attn: M.S. Weeks.

There are no calling hours.

Services will be held Thursday, Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael's Church in Exeter.

Brewitt Funeral Home, Exeter, is handling arrangements. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.brewittfuneralhome.com.

Visit the online guest book at " target="_blank" rel="nofollow, noindex" class="obit-text-link">www.fosters.com/obits