Joseph C. Dillon

Joseph C. Dillon, 88, passed away on September 28, 2026 following a long illness. He was the loving husband of the late Anne M. Dillon with whom he shared 64 beautiful years of marriage.

Born in Boston, on March 21,1938, he was the son of the late Coleman and Agnes Dillon. He was raised in Milton and was a graduate of Archbishop Williams High School.

Joe joined his father at the Boston Globe working his way up from the composing room to production manager and retired early after a 35-year career.

In retirement, Joe spent all of his weekends at his second home in East Wakefield, NH.  He loved camping and exploring the scenic roads of New Hampshire and Maine with Anne.  A very active and social man, Joe was always on the go and enjoyed spending time helping out his good friends, Stan and Michael Lignos, at Tremont Auto Sales.  His favorite moments were the times spent with his grandchildren whom he absolutely loved and cherished.  Affectionately known as “Pa,” he was also a constant, reassuring presence in the SMA parking lot.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Julie Dillon of Peabody, two sons, Mark Dillon and his wife, Christi of Newburyport, and Michael Dillon and his partner, Milena of Estero, Florida; four grandchildren, Mei-Ann Dillon, Joie Dillon and her fiancé, Joe, Sean Dillon and his wife, Devon, Kirk Dillon and his wife, Melissa, two great granddaughters, Regan and Rory; his sister, Agnes Dillon of Milton, and his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Carol Dillon of Weymouth, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Pa’s Mei Mei, who was always by his side.  The family would also like to thank Kathy, Millie and Eppy for their wonderful care; everyone at the Roger B. Trask Adult Day Health Center in Peabody, and the wonderful staff at the Masconomet Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Topsfield.

Funeral services were held privately with burial in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Salem.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s name may be made to The Roger B. Trask Adult Day Health Center, 79 Central Street, Peabody, MA, 01960.