F. Eugene Dixon Jr.

Family-Placed Funeral Notice

F. EUGENE DIXON, Jr. F. Eugene Dixon, Jr. - Fitz to his many friends, said at each of the many dinners at which he was honored that we should live our lives so that the lives of others are better than they were before. He accomplished his goal. A descendant of several prominent Philadelphia families, most notably the Wideners and the Elkins who founded what is today the bus and subway division of SEPTA, he was born in his family's summer residence in Winter Harbor, Maine on August 14, 1923. Fitz is a graduate of Meadowbrook School and the Episcopal Academy and attended Harvard University. Returning to Philadelphia, he became a teacher and later Director of Admissions and of Athletics at Episcopal. For the rest of his life he remained a teacher. Those who worked with and for him could be certain they would be told of any mistakes in spelling or grammar. Fitz was blessed with a quick intelligence, apparently unlimited energy, great self-discipline and leadership skills. Tens of thousands have benefited from the application of these talents to civic betterment, education, sports and health care. The first board of trustees, which asked him to become a trustee is now known as Widener University, in honor of his family. He served for many years as the Chair of its Board. Many persons of wealth are asked to join boards precisely because they have wealth but one becomes Chairman of the Board only if you are a hard worker and leader. Fitz chaired many boards. Some of the most prominent, in addition to Widener University, were Temple University, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (where he was the first board chairman), Abington Memorial Hospital, Temple University Hospital, The Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach, Florida and Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth, Maine. Mayors Greene, Rizzo, Rendell and Street, as well as Governors Thornburgh, Casey, Ridge and Rendell have all recognized the effectiveness of Fitz Dixon's leadership and over the years have asked him to chair the Delaware River Port Authority, the Fairmount Park Commission, where he was the longest-serving chairman in its history, the State System of Higher Education, the Philadelphia Art Commission and the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission. In addition to his activities as chairman and trustee of many educational institutions, he would often be found on the sidelines at football and other games. In the professional sports world, he was one of the “hundred brothers” who once owned the Philadelphia Eagles. Later he had a twenty-five percent interest in the Philadelphia Flyers when they won the Stanley Cup, briefly owned the Philadelphia Wings in the National Lacrosse League, and then became the owner of the Philadelphia 76ers who brought Julius Erving to Philadelphia and Billy Cunningham to coaching. Until a few years ago he was one of the owners of the Philadelphia Phillies. He has attended virtually every home Philadelphia Eagles game since the late 40's. His greatest contributions have been to civic and nonprofit organizations, but he was for decades a Director of PNC Bank and predecessor banks, a component of which was founded by his ancestor, Peter A.B. Widener. Other business directorships have included ESB, Inc. and Liberty National Bank in Ellsworth, Maine. He is a former owner of Grindstone Broadcasting Corporation, also in Ellsworth. He was President of Widener Memorial Foundation in Aid of Handicapped Children. He was a member of many clubs and societies in Philadelphia, Palm Beach, Maine and New York. A member of the Jockey Club, horseracing was a family tradition which he continued. He also was a director of the Devon Horse Show and was interested in the United States [Olympic] Equestrian Team. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Mr. Dixon was the senior trustee in years of service and a Vice Chairman of the Board. He was also a Trustee Emeritus of the Philadelphia Free Library, the University of Pennsylvania and the Church Farm School. He received at least seventeen honorary degrees from colleges and universities, including Widener University, Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania. Awards included the Police Athletic League Award, the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and University Award and the Frobese Award from Abington Memorial Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Edith Robb Dixon; two children, George Widener Dixon and Ellin Dixon Miller; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Philadelphia and Pennsylvania have lost a man who contributed greatly to our welfare. There will be a private interment for the family. A memorial service will be held Friday September 29, 2006, 11AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118. Contributions may be made to Abington Memorial Hospital, 1200 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001; Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, 50 Union Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605; or The Society of the Four Arts, 2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach, FL 33480. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries