Plan for the Future
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11:15am – Thursday, July 30, 2020
Click here to view Eulogy by Dr. Robert Sobol
William Gregory Dillon passed away in the early morning hours of July 13, 2020. He leaves a legacy of kindness, selflessness, generosity and caring for his loved ones to cherish.
Greg was born on September 13, 1952 to William “Bill” Gregory Dillon and Pauline “Polly” Larkin Dillon. He was raised in Short Hills and was a member of the Millburn High School Class of 1970 and a Boston University graduate, with a BA in English. Never straying far from his roots, he lived in New York City, Short Hills, NJ and most recently Princeton, NJ.
To know Greg was to love him. He was privileged to be raised by parents who adhered to a high moral standard, instilling in Greg and his sister, Evie, the importance of treating everyone with respect, looking for opportunities to help others and maintaining a humble demeanor. He internalized these qualities and carried them through his lifetime, to which his legions of friends can attest. In beautiful contrast was his incredibly wry and dry sense of humor, which would send everyone into stitches of laughter.
Although Greg was truly an artist and poet at heart, professionally he worked at JP Morgan Chase, NY, NY.
He excelled as a hockey goalie in his youth at Beacon Hill in Summit and enjoyed playing on club teams as an adult. Greg was a long time member of Baltusrol Golf Club and also enjoyed numerous trips to many amazing courses. He cherished his years with his Myrtle Beach group during Master’s Week.
Greg’s life was not without challenges. Despite the odds, he was first and foremost a survivor. In his later years he dealt with such matters with the most amazing outlook, fortitude and optimism. No matter what life threw at him he faced it with grace, acceptance and a positive outlook. Never was there a complaint to be heard.
“Remarkable” is how a dear friend described Greg. And indeed he was. He was a true and caring man, one who never uttered anything other than positive words about others. He was a sweet gentle soul, compassionate and possessed great empathy for those he loved. His enduring steadfast affection was a blessing to all that knew him. As beautiful as he was on the inside, those who knew Greg will agree that he was handsome and dashing on the outside as well, a dapper dresser, almost always seen sporting his signature blue blazer.
Greg made lifelong friends everywhere he went. The list of lives he influenced and by extension, countless others was and shall remain extraordinary.
Greg is survived by his partner, Victoria Drake Chandler, and his sister, Evelyn “Evie” Dillon Reed and her husband Joseph William Reed along with their children, Cara Reed, Dillon Reed and William Reed. In addition, he is survived by his aunt, Joanne Larkin Brothers, and close cousins; Barbara Barrett, Cindy Barrett, Marci Barrett, Mark Larkin, Bob Brothers, Ann “Sissy” Brothers Sweeney, Peter Brothers and Peter J. McManus. Greg was predeceased by his cousin, Joseph Larkin Barrett.
Lastly Greg is survived by his lifelong trusted friends Dr. Robert Sobol and David M. Everard.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:15 am on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Avenue, Short Hills, New Jersey 07078. You must register at the link above to attend. Click here for help in how to sit for communion at the funeral mass.
An interment will follow at St. Teresa’s Cemetery, Summit, NJ. In lieu of flowers please send donations in W. Gregory Dillon’s memory to support Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Checks, made payable to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center should be mailed to: Attn: Rachel Flannery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Office of Development, P.O. Box 27106, New York, NY 10087.
