John J. "Joe" Dillon, 89 Prayers will be at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday at the Fox Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Luke Church for John J. "Joe" Dillon who passed away during the early morning of Saturday, November 17,2012 at Briarfield.Manor. Joe was born March 27, 1923 in Seattle Washington to Patrick Miles and Margaret Eleanor Lane Dillon. He was a 1941 graduate of O'Dea High School in Seattle. He attended Georgetown University and Washington University. He worked for a brief time for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C. before he joined the United States Navy. Joe was a proud veteran of World War II during which he served in the Pacific theater.Joe relocated to Youngstown in 1954 when he married the love of his life, Mary Beth Joyce, on June 5, 1954. Together they raised five children and were the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren. Joe was a devout Catholic. He could be found in the front row for 11 AM mass every Sunday at St. Luke Catholic Church of which he and Mary Beth were both charter members. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus, the Hospital Visitation Ministry and the Diocesan School Board. He served as the principal of the St. Luke CCD program. For several years, he was one of the unmistakable voices of the St. Luke Church Festival sound tower. ln 1985, he retired from WFMJ where he worked as an account executive for over 20 years. During retirement, he remained active in the community as a Democratic Precinct Committee Person and volunteer at the Mahoning County Board of elections. Joe was the quintessential gentleman, a loving father and grandfather, and a devoted husband. He daily lived the Dillon family credo of Dum Spiro Spero -While I Breathe I Hope", seeking beauty in everyone and everything he encountered. Joe was quick with a smile, and he was known for his stories for every situation. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Beth In 2006, his parents, and his four siblings: Sr. Margaret Anne Dillon, Sr. Anne Dillon, William and Patrick Dillon. Joe leaves to forever cherish his memory his five children, Mary Beth Tabak of Boardman, Patricia (Jim) Heinrichs of Dayton, John J. (Anne) Dillon, Jr. of Columbus, Kathleen (David) Kennedy of Canfield, and Dr. Michael G. Dillon of Columbus; seven grandchildren, John J. (Lauren) Dillon III, Beth Ann Tabak,Rachel (Wes) Lewis, Patrick Valentino, David G. Tabak, Jr., Joseph Valentino,and Dominick Dillon; a brother-in-law,' Harry E. Joyce and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m.Tuesday at Fox Funeral Home.The family would like to thank the caring staff of Briarfield Manor who lovingly tended to his every need.