Joseph J. Dillon, Sr. 89, of Port Griffith passed away Saturday evening, October 31, 2015, at the VA Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre. His wife, Mary Geraldine Langan Dillon, passed away in 1973.

Born in Pittston, he was a son of the late James A. and Margaret O’Haire Dillon. He was a graduate of Jenkins Township High School, class of 1943. Mr. Dillon was an Army veteran, having served during the Korean War; he earned the rank of Corporal and later served in the Marine Corps. Reserves. Prior to his retirement, he was a railroad conductor working for several different railroads throughout the region, including Erie Railroad and Conrail. He was the representative for the United Transportation Union. He worked with the Law Offices of Brobyn & Forceno, Philadelphia and traveled the country helping many railroad retirees. Mr. Dillon was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston. He was also a Fourth Degree member of the President John F. Kennedy Council 372, of the Knights of Columbus, Pittston. Joseph was also a life member of the VFW Post 4909, Dupont and the VFW Post 1227, Duryea; member of the American Legion, Post 558, Plains and American Legion, Post 585, Duryea. He was a volunteer fireman for Jenkins Twp. Hose Co..

Mr. Dillon was a world traveler. His travels included three flights on the Concord. During one of his flights, there was a man who was looking a bit peculiar, just so happens his seat is right next to Joe’s. After time passes, the man gets up to use the restroom. The flight attendant is overwhelmed with excitement of who is on the flight with them. She proceeds to ask Joe if he knows him. Joe only knew him as the passenger next to him. She said, “Don’t you know your American Actors?” The man sitting next to Joe was none other than the famous Al Pacino, by the end of the flight they were like old friends. Joe was also an avid football fan and had the opportunity to attend 23 Super Bowls. The stories and memories are endless and will continue to be shared for many years to come.

Joseph was a loving father, PaPa Joe, brother, uncle and friend. He will be remembered for his smile, his gentle heart, his dapper attire and his ability to light up a room with his presence. He had touched many lives over the years and to know him was to love him.

He is survived by his son, Joseph J. Dillon, Jr. and his wife, Suzanne, Aledo, Texas; and daughter, Patti Allford and husband, Hal, Gettysburg; grandchildren Joseph J. Dillon, III, Sydney Dillon, Olivia Dillon, Rocco and Mia Policare, Angelo and Alexia Bevilacqua; seven great grandchildren; sisters, Marilyn Krall, Port Griffith; Kathleen Morreale, Dundalk, MD; and Margaret O’Malley, Tunkhannock; his longtime companion, Kathy Sulima, Wyoming; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Timothy Gerard Dillon, brothers, James and William Dillon.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 10:30 A.M. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William Street, Pittston. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Military services will be conducted by the VFW Post 4909, Dupont.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects during a celebration of Joseph's life on Friday, November 6, 2015, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Baloga Funeral Home, Inc. 1201 Main Street, Pittston, (Port Griffith) and Saturday at the church a half hour before the mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Care and Concern Ministries of Saint John the Evangelist Parish Community, 35 William Street, Pittston, PA 18640.