David Brian Dillon Jr.

when David Brian Dillon, Jr. (D.J.) passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2019,

at the much-too-young age of 38.

David is lovingly remembered by his parents, David, Sr. and Terri (Ore) Dillon, his

sister, Cara Dillon, and his beloved niece, Myra Grace Gohman. D.J. is also

survived by grandparents, Harry and Joanne Dillon, and Sylvia Ore; uncle, Ryan

Ore, aunts, Kathleen Dugger and Andrea Kempton, and cousins, Mellissa and

Bruce Nebergall, Brooke Brathole, Dillon, Aleeza and Nora Kempton, and Althea

Ore. He is pre-deceased by his grandad, Ronald Ore and uncle, Ronald “Chip”

Ore.

Born on October 1, 1981 in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, D.J. was a lifelong Chicago

sports fan and loved watching the Cubs with his grandad. His family is so glad

that they both got to enjoy watching the Cubs win the World Series before their

passing. D.J. was always a Chicago Bulls fan and an avid collector of Nike Air

Jordans. This is not to say he didn’t consider himself a Colts and Pacers fan as

well - his loyalties were equally divided and he truly enjoyed his two-city sports.

His Fantasy Leagues, teams, and the friends they brought were a great joy in his

life.

D.J. graduated from North Central High School (Indianapolis) in 2000. In high

school he participated in the musical arts and especially loved being a member of

the Northernaires, Kings Court, and Men’s Choir. He was active in Special

Olympics and served as a partner in several sports where he made life-long

friends and was able to share his gifts of loving people for who they are and

seeing the best in everyone.

One year at Vincennes University was plenty - while there D.J. majored in (as he

put it) “weed and pizza.” His family calls it his “Gap Year” however it was also

the year he met his best friends. The friends that D.J. made at Vincennes have

been there for him throughout his illness and his family will be forever grateful

for them.

D.J. worked his whole adult life in the restaurant industry. He worked his way up

from being a teen-aged busser to several years managing Kona Grill (San

Antonio and Dallas) and Granite City Food and Brewery (Peoria.) He was a

certified Sommelier, and loved his work at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Eddie Merlot’s,

and Sangiovese where he became close friends and family with management,

staff, and customers.

D.J. loved his family and friends more than anything in the world. He dearly

loved and protected his little sister, and absolutely adored his niece. His Dad was

his hero, and his Mom was his strongest supporter and partner in mischief. D.J.

lit up the room with his smile. His loyalty was boundless. His joy infectious. He

made everyone feel welcome, special, and better. D.J. will be remembered for

many things - his kindness, generosity, strength, courage, sense of humor and

adventure, his willingness to do anything to help someone in need, his huge

laugh, and giving the Biggest, Best Bear Hugs you ever had.

Family and Close Friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, November 6, 2019

from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Sangiovese Restaurant in Indianapolis for Visitation.

Family and All Friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service and Celebration

of Life Reception at Eddie Merlot’s, Indianapolis on Tuesday, November 12, 2019

from 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. (Service at 1:00 p.m.).

In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a donation in D.J.’s memory. The family

has selected the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (ccalliance.org) for their “Never Too

Young” efforts, and the St. Vincent Foundation, Supportive Care #35183

(give.stvincent.org) for their loving kindness and support. If you prefer to

contribute to DJ Dillon’s GoFundMe Campaign, gifts will be divided between the

two charities.