Thomas Vincent Dillon

Thomas V. Dillon, 77, passed away suddenly on December 1, 2025.

If a life well lived is measured by the intangible values of steadfastness and service, Tom Dillon lived well.

All those who knew him can describe an instance when he showed up to meet whatever the need: a pipe to be fixed, a hand to be held, an honest conversation to be had.

The “can do” motto of the Seabees was in his DNA.

Tom was born in Washington, DC to Bernard and Jane Dillon and grew up in Silver spring, MD.

After graduating from Springbrook High School in 1966, he joined the US Navy where he proudly served his country completing two tours in Vietnam as a Seabee. He then completed a five-year apprenticeship to become a Master Plumber and Gasfitter. He worked in the commercial plumbing industry and was a member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 5 for over 50 years. Tom was also a member of St. Francis Parish, the VFW, and was one of the longest standing members of the Wheaton American Legion.

But he was much more. He was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend.

He and his wife, Susan met in the first grade at St. Bernadette School and were classmates for eight years. They became reacquainted at their 30th class reunion in 1992 and have been inseparable ever since. They were married in 2003. He was Susan’s heart, she, his.

Tom was most proud of the fine young women his daughters, Mary and Laura had become. His son-in-law, Duce had both his love and confidence. His grandchildren, Makayla and Layton, were a constant source of joy.

He was also held close in the hearts of a vast array of nieces and nephews by being there, for and with them, in the pivotal moments of their lives.

Tom had the rare combination of reflection and action that spurred his ongoing personal growth. He raced motorcycles, piloted boats, bicycled, made wine and played golf. His affinity for motorcycles later led him to own a BMW bike that came with the constant refrain from Susan to slow down. Acquiescing to a slower pace, he and Susan enjoyed bicycling on the Eastern Shore. Tom also captained the “Snoozin,” and for years, family and friends enjoyed boating on the Chesapeake Bay under his steady and reliable hand. In addition, Tom was part of a friends’ amateur winemaking enterprise, the fruits of which he generously shared. However, his favorite pastime was golf. Regardless of the season, Tuesdays were reserved for a day on the links with his buddies, followed by a few beers on his deck where they rehashed every birdie and bogie.

But Tom was also a curious and avid reader, he took Spanish classes and uncovered a latent talent for drawing and sketching. During COVID he picked up a pencil and began an avocation of sketching detailed portraits of family and friends.

There is more to be said about Tom Dillon- kindness, integrity, dependability, courage and resiliency come to mind.

He will be profoundly missed.

Tom is survived by his wife, Susan (Fitzgerald), his daughters, Mary Elizabeth Marvray (Esmond “Duce”), Laura Ashley, his grandchildren, Makayla and Layton Marvray, his siblings, Carroll Dethrow, (John), Doris Dillon, Theresa Koper (George), Barbara Bryant (Ed), Sheila Westrem, Matthew Dillon, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers, Timothy and Mark.

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, there will be a visitation (10:30 a.m.) and Mass (11:00 a.m.) at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Norbeck, MD, followed by a Celebration of Life at Manor Country Club.

Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date. 

Memorial donations may be made in Tom’s name to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org ) or to the Disabled Veterans Association (https://www.dav.org).