Thomas E. Dillon, age 74, of Palm Harbor died Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, New Port Richey. Thomas was born March 31, 1950, in Newark, NJ and is the son of the late John and Carrie (Chammings) Dillon.

Tom attended Pompton Lakes High School where he competed in track and field and held the pole-vaulting record for over 20 years. He later attended Berkley College in West Virginia.  Tom held many jobs throughout his life including Manager of Dean’s Tires in Pompton Lakes, NJ, handyman for his own business, HomeEd Home Maintenance, and later as a custom window installer for Clear-Vue Inc.

Tom had a great love of the outdoors and spent most of his free time being in nature. He loved camping, bird watching and traveling to many parks across the country.  Some of the places Tom visited include High Point State Park, The Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Mt, Rainier, Redwood National Forest, and many other spots along the Pacific Coast Highway.  He loved fishing, whether it be inshore, deep sea or fresh water, and was always after that elusive “lunker”. He also had a great love of animals and adopted dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, hermit crabs and a squirrel monkey throughout his life. Additionally, Tom was an avid Yankees fan and watched every game.

Above all else, Tom loved his family and friends and was a one-of-a-kind father and grandpa. He was incredibly kind and selfless to the core. His family will always remember Tom for his generosity, kindness, and devotion to his  family.

He is survived by one son: Tom Dillon of Savannah, GA, one daughter: Tara Dillon of New Port Richey, FL, two grandchildren: Oliver and Thomas Dillon of Savannah, GA, one brother: James Dillon of Stroudsburg PA, one sister: Patricia Cyr of Las Vegas, NV., and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be Friday from 1-3 pm at Dobies Funeral Home, 6616 Congress St, New Port Richey, Fl 34653. Service to follow immediately after.

In lieu of flowers., memorials may be made to the ASPCA in Tom’s honor at ASPCA Memorial Gift. Recipient email: [email protected]