Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

John J. Dillon

About

University of Massachusetts

John Dillon Obituary

John Joseph Dillon, 78, a resident of Framingham for 39 years died on January 17, 2011 at Metrowest Hospital surrounded by his loving family after a period of declining health. Born in Holyoke, Mass., son of the late John J. Dillon and the late Arline (Lynch) Dillon, he attended Holyoke Schools and was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts in 1954. He was employed by New England Telephone Company and NYNEX prior to his retirement in 1991. Most of his career was spent in the Public Relations Department from which he retired as a District Manager in 1991. Mr. Dillon was a reporter for the Springfield Newspapers covering general news and sports from 1962 to 1965. An Air Force veteran of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, he was discharged from the Air Force reserves as a Captain in 1965. Active in Framingham for many years, he was a former Chairman of the Sign Review Board and the Zoning Board. He was a member of the Library Board, and was also active in civic, religious, and social activities in Framingham, including the Knight of Columbus Couer de Leon Council # 87 in Framingahm and the Edward F. McSweeny General Assembly, Fourth Degree. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 52 years, Shirley (Callahan) Dillon of Framingham. Also, two daughters Marie Owen and her husband Dr. Christopher Owen of Sherborn, Kathleen Harney and her husband Paul of Wakefield; Two sons, John J. Dillon III and his wife Dania of Framingham, and James B. Dillon and his wife Leila of Sherborn. Also, nine grandchildren Kelly, Peter, and Elizabeth Owen, Michael and Carolyn Harney, Jack and Timothy Dillon and Eva and Mia Dillon. He also leaves a sister, Esther Dillon of South Hadley and several cousins. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Georges' Church, 74 School St., Saxonville, Framingham on Saturday January 22, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Edgell Grove Cemetery, Framingahm. Calling hours at Eugene J. McCarthy and Sons Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St. in Framingham will be on Friday January 21, 2011 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Donations in Mr. Dillons memory may be made to the Passionists Fathers, 5700 North Harlem Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631-2398

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by MetroWest Daily News on Jan. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John Dillon

16 Entries

walter silvia

January 12, 2020

John was a wonderful associate and friend ....he had such a wonderful laugh.....walter silvia

John Buckley

January 26, 2011

John, Jim and family...
I'm very sad to hear this, please accept my deepest sympathy. He was one of the nicest men I ever met. He had a very positive impact on my life. I met him outside of church (at St. J's) one day as he commented on my ND pullover, saying "That's a great school young man." It had an impact on my desire to go there, which I set as a goal and accomplished it. I'll never forget him being my biggest fan that first year I played CYO b-ball, after every game he would come find me and congratulate me etc... Take care, you are all in my thoughts.

Mike Hickey

January 25, 2011

Dear Shirley and Family,
I was saddened to learn of John's death through a colleague a few days ago. John really extended himself to me when I first joined New England Telephone Company back in 1986. He made himself very accessible and had a great sense of humor. I haven't seen him for years, but I will ALWAYS think very fondly of him. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Mike Hickey

walter silvia

January 21, 2011

Dear Shirley,

I started to work with John when we were both in Public Relations. He was wonderful to work with...very competent, but also very funny. We had some great times going to meetings and eating at some of John's favorite places for lunch. We continued our friendship over the years...he even came to my retirement reception, which meant a lot to me. Shirley, my condolences to you and your family.....walter silvia

January 21, 2011

DearShirley and family,

Please accept my deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your husband and father. I worked with John and shared many insightful conversations with him. His devotion to his family was his priority but from a business perspective he was a great teacher with a delightful sense of humor. I am sad to hear of his passing but know he is organizing something to do in heaven.
Beth Mahoney West Falmouth,, Massachusetts

Nancy Fitzgerald

January 21, 2011

Dear Shirley & Family.... My deepest sympathy to all of you. I remember John as a parent and rooter at FHS; as a fellow choir member at St. George's and most of all as a friendly face around Framingham. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Irene & Harry Vafides

January 21, 2011

Dear Shirley, Our sincere sympathy to you and your family in the loss of John. He was a sweet gentleman and very friendly to all. We knew him sitting at Dunkin Donuts in the morning having his coffee and greeting all who came in. We were his "Framingham bus driver" friends. He is now "up there" in the corner table having his coffee and waiting to greet all of us someday! John may you rest in peace,and we will miss you. Sincerely,

Juanita F. Garnett

January 20, 2011

Shirley and Family,Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you.I will miss his smiles and beeps to make me recognize him when I walk and run Edgell Rd.

Ellen Phelan

January 19, 2011

Dear Shirley and family,
I was privileged to work with John many years ago and remember him as a kind and caring gentleman who treated everyone with courtesy, grace and that irrepressible sense of humor. While I learned a lot from him about the business, what I remember best was his pride in and devotion to his family. Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss.

Andrea Dudley

January 19, 2011

Shirley and family,

I have such fond memories of working with John at New England Telephone 'back in the day.' He always encouraged us to do our best while at the same time using his humor to put things in perspective and not take ourselves too seriously. To this day I still quote some of John's favorite phrases. He was a delight -- and always so proud of his family and his town. He will be missed.

Arthur DelPrete

January 19, 2011

Shirley,Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.John was the best.
He was always supportive of the Framingham Public Schools and he was a keystone of the Annual "Salute to Framingham"dinner.
May he rest in peace

January 19, 2011

Shirley and family,

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Buddy was a terrific friend to Charlie and we have so many fond memories to share.You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this special time of need.

Julie Enright
Bristol, RI

Julie Ferrari

January 19, 2011

Shirley,

I only knew John for a short while as a dear friend of my Mom, Ann Dickson. He was so warm and friendly...the kind of person you feel you have known for a long time. He was truly a gentleman that will be missed by all. We send our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time and hope that all the wonderful memories of John will comfort you now and forever. Sincerely, Julie Ferrari

Carol Gross

January 19, 2011

John always had a kind word and he made your day brighter by his big smile when you met him in the halls at New England Tel.

He is smiling in the arms of his Creator and is being pressed closed to His Heart.

January 19, 2011

Shirley,
John was such a good man and always stood by my Dad. I will never forget his kindness and loyalty. We are out of State so will not be able to attend his services. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerely, Judy (Colonna) Dallamora

January 19, 2011

My deepest sympathy to John's family. He was a kind and caring man who truly was a great help to Tony Colonna during his illness. He was there everyday to make him smile and take him wherever he needed to go.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results