Robert E. Dillon

Robert E. Dillon, 87, of New Philadelphia, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, died Monday, September 5, 2016 at his home while surrounded by his loving family.

A son of the late Patrick and Mary (Krocker) Dillon, Robert was born November 7, 1928 at Roswell, Ohio.

Robert graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1947.  He then served four years in the United States Air Force where he attained the rank of Staff Seargent.

On July 7, 1951, he married the love of his life, the former Martha Affolter and together the couple raised three children, Mike, Thomas and Terry.

He was a longtime employee of Marlite and retired after 40 years of service.  Robert also served as the Recording Secretary of the Tuscarawas County AFL-CIO for many years.

Robert was the manager of three different Tuscarawas County Class “A” Baseball teams which include, Marlite, New Philadelphia Moose and Rohrig’s Nursing Home.  His teams compiled a record of 240 wins and 65 losses, winning seven league championships and five league tournament championships in ten years.  He also coached his sons’ teams for many years in the New Philadelphia youth baseball leagues.  Robert was inducted into the Tuscarawas County Cy Young Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993 and also served as a trustee for the Tuscarawas County Baseball Old Timers Association.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia and was also of member of the Knights of Columbus at Dennison where he was a 3^rd Degree Knight.  He enjoyed attending the sporting events and activities of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and was an avid outdoorsman.   Robert especially enjoyed fishing with his wife, sons, grandchildren and his fishing buddy, Jeff Bory.  Just last summer, Robert caught a 27 inch catfish which qualified for a Fish Ohio award.  Robert was also a lifelong fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and a fan and booster of the Tuscarawas Central Catholic Saints.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha Dillon; his sons, Thomas (Jamie) Dillon of Dover, Terry Dillon and Mike Dillon both of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Jennifer Dillon, Patrick (Brittany) Dillon, Chris Dillon, Nikki (Joe) Dillon-Taralla, Amy (Dierre) Dillon-Cody and Kim and Lucinda Dillon; 11 great grandchildren; two sisters, Gloria Dillon and Patricia Fitzpatrick both of New Philadelphia and his twin brother, Bill (Maxine) Dillon of Uhrichsville.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Hagarman.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m. with Christian Wake Services being held at 7:45 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Jeff Coning celebrating.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia.  Following the committal service a luncheon will be held on the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia.

Contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.