John Dilts

I am shocked to hear of John's passing, and very saddened. He was a great support to me when we jointly started the IPF Fund in the San Francisco Bay area. And even though our professional lives went separate ways, I have fond rememberance of our early beginnings and youthful optimism, as we tested our wings. I think very highly of John, hold his memory in high esteem. He will be sorely missed by all. I send warm regards to his family and friends.

sincerely,
Linda K. Glisson
Glisson Capital
San Francisco, CA.
www.glissoncapital.com

I too was deeply saddened to learn of John’s passing. I didn’t have the honor of knowing John as an adult, but I had the pleasure of spending eight years (as did many of you) at St. Catherine of Sienna school in Burlingame. In reminiscing, let me say that many moments at our old alma mater were brightened and lightened by young Mr. Dilts. I know none of you needs assurances of his good humor, his chivalry and kindness, his general brilliance and even silliness, but here are some early occasions of these treasured traits of Johnny:

On one occasion, John happened by 111 Pepper Avenue where one Betsy Bannan found herself stuck up in a cherry tree (no doubt with a book in one hand). John was able to safely extricate Betsy, but not without (I am certain) some sort of a tease on his lips while doing so. It must be true that such chivalry was never before or since seen on Pepper Avenue that day.

Another time I remember being ambushed on my way to picture day at school (around the 6th or 7th grade) and John rightly informed me that my new dress “looked like a night-gown!” Hey, it was the 70’s! John would always ride up behind me on his banana seat bike and expel some sort of noise or sophomoric insult in passing. Of course he did this with a big toothy grin that took any meanness out of the moment.

I also recall some goofing around backstage during one of the plays at the Burlingame Rec. Center involving John and some make-up…it ended badly when Mrs. Prenderghast (the director) discovered him.

I am sure there were numerous sports related hilarities I was not privy to as a mere cheerleader, but I’m sure Des or Thomas or John Bradley could illuminate…

And we can’t forget his two week crush on Annie Gabrielli in fourth grade. (I remember that being very mutual.)

I packed a very spotted banana in my son’s lunch box today in honor of our friend--John always liked them brown and squishy (or maybe the moment that I remember was one where he convinced us that he liked them that way).

Anyway, I remember his rascally grin and his twinkly eyes could convince you of just about anything, even the fact that “the word gullible isn’t even in the dictionary.”

We all knew John would do well in life because of his positive attitude, hard work, and sharp mind. I for one felt so proud of him as I read what he has accomplished in his too brief life. And as I said, I did not know him in adulthood, but I take this right to feel proud because we were such a close class during all of those years, and I know the rest of you feel this way too. Even at a young age John was a strong leader, a friend to everyone, and now he will be sorely missed by the people whose lives he touched.

To John’s wife Julia, God bless you. I wish you peace and strength. I am so sorry for your loss.

To Michael, Brian, Danny and Mary: Know that your brother will never be forgotten. I know his classmates at St. Catherine’s are so proud of the man he turned out to be.

With deepest sympathy,
Jennie Zona Fitzgerald
San Carlos, CA

Dear Dilts Family,
We were so shocked and saddened in learning of John's death. We are thankful that we were able to spend time with him when he stayed with us for family reunions in Winamac. He will be greatly missed by many.
In sympathy and love,
Rick and Becky

It is with tremendous sadness that our family has learned of John's death. We have known the Dilts family for 35+ years from our time together at St. Catherines/Serra and felt blessed to know and enjoy the entire family. John was one my brother Desmond's best friends and he was truly like another member of our family spending many fun times/vacations together while growing up. John's dad was full of life and we loved we he would cheer "Go big green" from the bleechers during St. Catherines basketball games. John's mom was so sweet and kind and John was a wonderful blend of his parents. As adults, I loved running into John when he lived in Burlingame because he always remainded the friendly, optomitstic guy he always was.

We send our love, thoughts and prayers to the entire Dilts family. Today, I am going to leave a flower at the walkway to the family house on Occidental where many wonderful times were spent.

God bless,

Julia, I`m so sorry for your loss. I only met John once but he was the greatest guy to my family. I only hope God is with you during this time to help with all the pain.
Camille Catalano (Buffalo, New York)

We will miss his skill at deriving humor from even the most frustrating situations.

Julia,
My heart breaks for you. Wish I could be there for you. Much love..Denise