Erik Alan Dillon, 43 of Rye Brook, NY, passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Erik was born on May 19, 1975 in Michigan City, Indiana and lived in the Chicago area until 1986 when the family moved to Cape Coral, Florida. He has lived in New York since 1997.
Immediately after graduation in 1993 from Mariner High School in Cape Coral, Erik joined the Marines, who helped shape a great kid into a great man. He was proud to serve and continued to support various veteran organizations after his discharge in 1997. He could still fit in his Marine uniform and was known to wear it on special occasions, most recently for the funeral of a friend's father that was a veteran. Upon his discharge, Erik was recruited by USIS where he helped establish their technology services division. In 1999, he started his employment with Avon continuing to advance his skill in the Information Technology field. He traveled globally for Avon, working in India, Guatemala, Brazil, Poland, Columbia and the Phillipines, amongst many other places. He received many accolades, awards and recognition for his work - but was extremely humble and would defer credit to his team.
Erik was known for his fierce loyalty to his Chicago sports teams - namely the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. Erik was also known for his calm demeanor. He never sweated the small stuff. During a crisis, you could count on him to be the calm in the storm. He was very level headed. Many of his co-workers credit him with showing them how to manage stressful situations while maintaining their cool.
He was also known for his generous heart. He would help anyone in need. Over the years he has championed various causes. His favorites include American Cancer Society Relay for Life, the Humane Society, the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group and the Bears Care - the charitable organization of the Chicago Bears. In addition, when a friend's son was born with a heart defect and required multiple surgeries, he created a Crowdrise Gofundme account.
He was a great animal lover and adored his cats - Timmay, Butters and Tweek. All of whom he rescued (or maybe they rescued him). Erik's sense of humor was one of his best assets. He was never afraid to be "silly" and you could always count on him for a laugh. We could all surely use that at this time.
Erik was preceded in death by his mother, Jacqueline Dillon. He leaves behind his wife Michelle Dillon, father Raymond Dillon of Cape Coral, FL, sister Michelle Rajzer (Frank) of Plano, IL, sister Lisa Windhorn (Kyle) of Liberty Lake, WA, brother Jerome Dillon (Kim) of Cape Coral, FL, sister Carla Uhlenbrauck (Henry) of Safety Harbor, FL, in addition to many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. And not to be forgotten - his brothers-from-another-mother, Stephen Bone and Clayton Ross.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Erik's name to one of his favorite charities:
Bears Care: https://www.chicagobears.com/community/bears-care
Dana Point: http://www.danapoint5thmarines.com/donate
MiddleTown Humane Society: http://www.middletownhumanesociety.com/cage-sponsorship/
Honor, Courage, Commitment, Semper Fidelis "Oorah"
