Francis Dillon, Jr.

Mr. Francis B. Dillon (affectionately known as Willie), passed away on Wednesday, January 23, 2013.  He was the beloved husband of the late Edwina M. (Winnie) Dillon to whom he was married for 62 years. He also was preceded in death by their baby daughter, Theresa Louise.

Willie was a native Washingtonian born on September 19, 1925 to the late Francis B., Sr., and Anna Grace Starner Dillon.

He was a lifelong devout member of the Catholic Church where he served in the Holy Name Society, as an usher at several parishes and as a Eucharistic Minister to the sick and homebound. He also assisted in the caring of destitute men as part of Mother Theresa's mission house in Washington, DC. Willie took great satisfaction in the remodeling and maintaining of his home. He was an avid Redskin fan who could often be found decked out in Redskin attire while watching his team play. Willie and Winnie enjoyed camping, trips to Williamsburg, as well as their 25th wedding anniversary celebration in Europe.

Willie was employed by the Federal Government for over 30 years; however, his retirement was brief when he took another position with the State of Maryland for 10 years. During his years with the Federal Government, he held a position as a cartographer with Army Map Service (later Defense Mapping Agency) where he was involved in strategic mapping operations during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The Dillon family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Laurie Draper, Donna Alderson and Cindy Sells of DaVita Dialysis in Frederick, for their unfailing love and support of our Dad.

Willie leaves behind five children; Catherine A. Dillon, John J. Dillon and wife, Jeanne; Mary R. Lynch; Lorraine E. James, and husband, David; and Paul F. Dillon and wife, Lisa. He also was grandfather to William F. Dillon and wife, Carmen; Krista N. Hemming and husband, Andrew; Phillip A. Dillon; Laura E. Hammond, and husband, Dave; Brian E. Secker; Theresa D. Knill, and husband, Jacob; Karen M. Secker; Colleen M. Lynch; Anna G. Lynch; Rebekah M. James; Grace E. James; Stephen D. James; Daniel A. James; Krystal D. Dillon; Caleigh A. Flores, and husband, Heriberto; and Jessica L. Brice. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Madeleine Hemming and Annalee Flores.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A., 8 E. Ridgeville Blvd., Mt. Airy. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 1 from St. Michael's Catholic Church at Poplar Springs, 1125 St. Michael's Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771. Officiating will be Father Michael J. Ruane.

Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland, Heaver Plaza, 1301 York Rd., Suite 404, Lutherville, MD 21093-6007.

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