Arthur K. Dils

He passed away from complications from Multiple Systems Atrophy, at age 89. A celebration of life will be conducted Saturday, November 9, 2024. Please join us at the Colonial Golf and Tennis Club 4901 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg, PA from 1:00 - 3:00pm.

Arthur was born June 21, 1935. His parents were Samuel Herbster Dils and Rose Kunkle Dils. He attended school in Belle Vernon, in Western Pennsylvania until moving to be with his mother to live in Harrisburg in 1948. Arthur graduated from William Penn high school in Harrisburg, Dickinson College, and Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle. He participated in ROTC at Dickinson, and then continued to serve out his commitment as a second lieutenant in the United States Army, also in Carlisle.

Arthur started his professional career in Harrisburg where he worked briefly for the Insurance Commission, then as a public defender. However, it was not long until his entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic, and undeniable talent as a lawyer led him to "hang out his own shingle" as a criminal defense attorney. He practiced law with a passion and with great skill for over 50 years, winning recognition and appreciation from judges, fellow lawyers, and countless grateful clients.

Arthur was a member of the Camp Curtin Memorial - Mitchell United Methodist church on 6th Street in Harrisburg where he taught adult Sunday school for over 50 years. Because of his humor, dynamic speaking style, and moving messages about the power of love, he was often invited to deliver sermons at both Camp Curtin and other churches in Harrisburg.

Arthur was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen Kathleen McIndoe Dils, who died at the time when their three children were 12, 8, and 5. Arthur, as a single parent, raised his children—Arthur Keith Dils, Glen Richard Dils, and Amy Lynn Dils-Shomper—with love, care, and compassion, all while balancing a thriving law practice and teaching Sunday School. The fruits of that labor of love also included seven grandchildren, all of whom survived him.

He will be missed most of all by his family who loved him; Arthur Keith and his wife Heather along with their children Evan, Abigail, and Olivia; Glen and his wife Veronica along with their children Alex and Elena; Amy and her husband Brian along with their children Audrey and Wade.

Above all, Arthur is survived by his second wife, colleague, and best friend, Diane Rupich Dils. Theirs was a relationship of love, support, and partnership, lasting four decades. They were a formidable team as lawyers, and they were a loving and supportive couple. They enjoyed holidays with family, rooting for the Steelers, and going down to the shore. They were inseparable.

Arthur enjoyed listening to the radio, watching movies, and watching WWII documentaries. He enjoyed riding his bike, and taking walks, including doing so on summer vacations and weekends on the boardwalk at Ocean City, New Jersey.

Art was a public speaker celebrated for capturing his audience, whether it be in the courtroom or in the Sunday school room. He was known to tell a good joke. He was known to take the time to engage other attorneys, clerical staff, friends, or the many acquaintances who called out to him as he walked the streets of Harrisburg. His laughter was contagious, and he had a zest for life that was undeniable.

He will be missed dearly, but we are comforted to know in our hearts that as he transitioned from this earthly form of expression to the next, he heard these words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”