Andrew V. Dillon

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Andrew Dillon Obituary

Dr. Andrew V. Dillon, 80, passed away Nov. 5, 2015. He was born in New York in 1935. He attended the Dalton School and earned his high school diploma from the Browning School. He continued his education at City College of New York and was awarded his Master of Arts and doctorate degrees from New York University.
Dr. Dillon joined the Flagler College faculty in 1972, having taught previously at Northeastern University in Boston. During his 33 years at Flagler, he taught courses in Shakespeare, Milton, Chaucer and Renaissance literature.
Dr. Dillon was twice recognized by the Flagler Student Government Association as Outstanding Teacher of the Year, and he was known for his creative and dramatic interpretations of Shakespeare plays that inspired in his students a life-long love of literature.
In addition to his keen interest in Shakespeare and other Renaissance authors, Dr. Dillon had a love for poetry and devoted much of his personal time to writing. More than 200 of his poems have been published in literary journals. Dr. Dillon also published critical essays and book reviews in professional journals.
Dr. Dillon is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Jane Dillon; daughter, Caroline; son, Michael; daughter-law, Melissa; and two grandchildren, Lucy and Owen.
The Andrew Dillon Scholarship Fund was established at Flagler College by his former students to honor his legacy. A memorial service will take place to celebrate his life at a later date. Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park (www.craigfuneralhome.com) is assisting the family.

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

Published by St. Augustine Record on Nov. 8, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Dillon

9 Entries

Michael Hudson Arnold

March 24, 2022

I sat in awe and still house the very books his courses required I purchase. His lectures drew me ever closer to the profundity within the prose he shared. Years later I was an adjunct instructor at Flagler and sat with Dr. Dillon in an office during the final year of his time with Flagler College. We spoke of teaching Gatsby, and it is a moment that shines in my memory as I come to the end of 20 year teaching career. God bless you Dr. Andrew Dillon. You have given me more than I could express but through the legacy I endeavor to continue through engaging my students.

Laurie Folk

December 6, 2015

At your memorial I wanted to get up and say something and could not, so here is

What I Meant to Say

Oh Captain My Captain
Leader of the Dead Poet's Society
Before the idea was even born.
You drew out our muse
The one we didn't even
Know existed, or if we did
Lay sleeping to its full potential.

Dancing and bellowing across
The stage of your classroom
Waking up reluctant souls,
Quenching the thirst of
Ancient ones,
You were my beacon in
The night of lost souls.

A fellow poet who knew
Me in that place we all come from, that
Lyrical pool in the anteroom of
Creative thought.

But you my friend, guru
Of the spoken word were
Better than that bottle of
Bourbon on a cold night.
You were and are the
Fount that can be drawn from for
A lifetime, and I have.

Housed in the dorm a tragic 20 something
With poetic promise, or so you said,
Those words brought me through the years,
The ones you said would
Give me material,

Well they have given me much,
But you gave me poetry with gusto,
And in the end it is the only gift
Worth giving, or receiving, so
Thank you, teacher in life and death, a
Poet till the end.

Anne Heymen

November 13, 2015

So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy.

Jo Lands

November 13, 2015

My sincere condolences to Mary Jane and family. I will always remember this wonderful witty professor whose office was across the hall from me on the second floor of Business Services at Flagler College. His great sense of humor and words of wisdom always brightened my day; and I will forever treasure the "Irises" Vincent van Gogh print he gave me when he retired. Dr.Dillon you will be greatly missed. RIP, Jo Lands

Nicole Hill

November 11, 2015

Dr. Dillon was dear to me. What a kind man, willing to share of himself and encourage other to be the best they could possibly be. He brought Shakespeare to life and his poetry was a true gift. I thought of him often as I was completing my college degree. Some of our conversations on the second floor of the Business Office at Flagler College were pivotal for me. He will be and is dearly missed.
O, wonder!
How many goodly creatures are there here!
How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world,
That has such people in't!
William Shakespeare, The Tempest

November 10, 2015

Dr. Dillon left different memories with each of us who knew him, but everyone whose life was touched by this remarkable man will remember his kindness, his laughter and his capacity to express joy in living. Those of us so fortunate to have been his students will always remember how his spellbinding enthusiasm and his love for the literature he taught radiated through the classes to bring them to life. We can be certain that, while this world has grown a bit darker with his crossing, the greater world beyond celebrates his return with good cheer. Such a light as the man we knew as Dr. Dillon can never diminish...it only transcends and goes on.
Glen Hargrove, grateful student - class of 1980

Wendy Alvarez

November 8, 2015

My condolences to Dr. Dillon's family. He was my most beloved professor at Flagler back in 1990 even though I wasn't an English major. He made Shakespeare come alive for all of us. He kept us spellbound every time he entered the class room..always a unique dramatic entrance! He was one of a kind and inspired so many :) I was blessed to be one of them!

Jason Hamilton

November 8, 2015

My deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow for the friends and family. My heart breaks for Mary Jane, Caroline, and Michael. May peace find you all in time.

Bob Bruno

November 8, 2015

Dr. Dillon, probably one of the five most influential men in my life. From you I learned not only Shakespeare and writing, but also that passion for what we do can become infectious. Heaven now has a new poet laureate. God bless and thanks for memories I will always treasure.

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