Michael “Mike” John Dillon, 79, of Lake Frederick, Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2024, at the Winchester Medical Center with his wife and three children by his side. He was born May 13, 1944, in Philadelphia, the son of the late John Beechan Dillon and Margaret Mary (Reilly) Dillon.

After graduating from Germantown Academy and beginning night school at LaSalle College, Mike was drafted into the Army where he served as a Preventive Medical Specialist from 1965-1967. When he returned from Vietnam, he continued his undergraduate studies and earned a B.A. in Philosophy and English from LaSalle College. He went on to attend Villanova University where he earned his Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. Mike worked as a guidance counselor and then spent 25 years as an educational consultant to companies including SRA Reading Lab, Riverside Publishing, and American College Testing (ACT). His passion for counseling and education eventually led him to rehabilitation and vocational services. He worked as a liaison with halfway houses as well as parole and probation officers to transition his clients into the workforce. Mike truly loved the people he served and found great purpose and meaning in this work.

After retiring to Virginia, Mike was able to spend time with his friends and family. He enjoyed playing trivia, listening to a wide variety of music, and attending dinners and happy hours at Regions 117 in his Lake Frederick community. He loved sports, especially football and the Philadelphia Eagles, and adored all animals. Above all else, he cherished the time he spent with his family and his six grandchildren who fondly called him “Greybear.”

He married the love of his life, Faith Peoples, on January 3, 1970, in Philadelphia and enjoyed 54 years of marriage with his beloved “Faithy.”

Along with his wife, Michael is survived by his three children: Jeanne Margaret Dillon-Williams (Aimee), Michael James Dillon (Thanh), and Anne Dillon Whitt (Daniel). He is also survived by his six grandchildren Van Patrick, Charlotte Catherine, Castin Dillon, Cameron Michael, Joseph Dillon, Isabelle Rose, and his sister Marjorie Weigand.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his twin sister Kathleen Kelly and his Aunt Kate who cared for him in his early childhood after his mother passed away.

A celebration of Michael’s life will take place Friday, May 10, 2024 from 12pm to 3pm at Sandy Run Country Club, Oreland, PA.

Memorial contributions in memory of Michael may be sent to Foundation.inova.org or to any Humane Society or S.P.C.A. of the donor’s choice.