Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1928
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Dill Obituary
On Sunday evening, we lost one of Erie's finest racers. Whether on two or four wheels, Tom was a consistent winner and a natural wherever he raced, from dirt tracks everywhere to Daytona, he made Erie proud. He was portrayed in a song by Jim Croce called "Rapid Roy That Stock Car Boy" and was recognized weekly by fans at any track. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during WWII.
Tom is survived by his wife, Joanne Lander Dill; sons, Michael Dill (Diane) of Tucson, Steve Dill (Linda) of Erie and Thomas Dill of Florida; daughters, Debra Naughton (Gordon) and Lorrie Mensing (Ron), both of Erie; the extended Rodland family; the Lander family, who fell in love with him and considered him a second father during his marriage of their mother, Joanne; eighteen grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Dill Rodland; and brother, Robert Dill.
Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Grace Harborcreek Church, 2420 Cumberland Road, on Sunday, March 25th at 6 p.m. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc. – East.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Dill
Sponsored by Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremations Services, Inc. - Wesleyville.
Nancy coake
March 16, 2020
You were a big part of my life and I will miss you always.
Beth Fagley
March 26, 2018
RIP my friend. Condolences to the family. You will be missed by many. Thank you for my memories.
Jean and Kirk Hardner
March 25, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Colleen Koos
March 25, 2018
Another great man joining Dad. With love to all who knew them. Colleen Koos
Rob and Deb Kohlwey
March 24, 2018
Uncle Tom, we didn't get much time with you on this Earth (and what we did get to spend with you is a memory of love and laughter as you drove us up to the pond and spent the day with us), but we look forward to Eternity with you! Thank you for making Aunt Joanne very happy. That means the world to us! You are a saint! We love you and today is one less day until we are reunited.
John Shouey
March 24, 2018
My deepest sympathies go out to the Tom Dill family & loved ones. I have fond memories of him tearing up the track at Eriez on warm summer evenings and hanging out at his garage in Erie with his son and my great friend Tom. He was an awesome driver and a great man. May he rest in eternal peace under our Lord's loving care.
John & Marilyn Woznicki
March 24, 2018
Sorry to hear that one of the "greats" has passed!! We will never forget the rides to the tracks with him and the race car and the race team! R.I.P. #51 !! Praying for Joanne's and Tom's families.
Loree Gutowski
March 23, 2018
Aunt Jo.... I am so grateful I got to visit with you and Tom while I was there.... He sure had a great sense of humor and a great smile...he will be missed... I love you....❤
Chester Woyicki
March 23, 2018
Tom was a blessing for Mrs. Lander, and I got to know him fairly well when I would visit for coffee. He was always cheerful and had funny stories to tell. May he tear up the dirt tracks with all his friends in Heaven. You will be sadly missed.
Nancy Coake
March 23, 2018
What a wonderful caring man whom without him in my life I would not be here today.
Mary Jo Herron
March 23, 2018
Tom went to school with my mother and was always one of my favorite drivers at Eriez Speedway! My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
joann schnars
March 22, 2018
The family of the late Bob Schnars sends their sincere condolences to Tom's family.Tom was a great competitor,racer and a true gentleman.
Ed Miller
March 22, 2018
He always gave every race fan their money's worth, and a very nice human being. R.I.P. #51!
kathy rohrer
March 22, 2018
My deepest sympathy to Tom's family and friends. He was a legend from miles around and everyone had so much respect and love for him in the racing family. We at Eriez Speedway will miss him terribly.Loving thoughts and prayers.
Bbbi Gottschling
March 22, 2018
Joanne,, I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My sympathy to you and your family.
Raleigh Chesley
March 22, 2018
So very sorry on the passing of this fine man, always a pleasure to talk with at our auctions, a great personality and friend, our condolences.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Dill's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Dill
Funeral services provided by:
Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremations Services, Inc. - Wesleyville2607 Buffalo Road, Erie, PA 16510
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Dill's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
