Joseph E. Dillon, age 75, of Georgetown, DE, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the comfort of his home.

Known affectionately as Joe, he was born in Philadelphia, PA, on March 7, 1951, to the late Eugene Dillon and the late Frances Regina (O’Brien) Dillon Dever. Joe was a proud graduate of West Catholic Boys High School in Philadelphia and proudly served his country in the Army Reserves.

Joe dedicated much of his life to serving others. He continued that commitment as a police officer with the City of Philadelphia, where he proudly served for 27 years before retiring as a Lieutenant. Even after retirement, Joe never really stopped working. He continued his career with Sears and later worked in the research sector of the poultry industry.

Joe was a man who found joy in the simple things in life. He loved collecting just about anything, with baseball cards and lawnmowers among his favorites. He enjoyed fishing, spending time outdoors, and working in his yard. He was a member of the FOP and was proud of the years he spent serving his community.

Most of all, Joe cherished his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 51 years, Joan Marie (McCollum) Dillon, with whom he shared a lifetime of memories, love, and family. He is also survived by his three children, Jennifer Fisher (Dillon) and her husband, Brian, of Sicklerville, NJ; Joseph P. Dillon and his wife, Donna, of Georgetown, DE; and Matthew Dillon and his companion, Erika Kalmus, of East Point, MI. Joe was a proud grandfather to Everley Russo-Dillon, Luca Kalmus, and Jaxen Dillon. He is also survived by his sister, Frances Biggins and her husband, Joseph, of Waynesboro, VA, Brother in law James McCollum, of Georgetown, De, Sister in Law Jacqueline Liberati and her husband Ron of Brigantine, NJ as well as several nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Leo Dillon; and his sisters, Mary Ferguson and Claire Muldoon.

Joe will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His love of family, dedication to serving others, and enjoyment of life's simple pleasures will remain a lasting part of the memories he leaves behind. Though he is no longer with us, the love he gave and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A visitation will be held from 2–3 PM on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Rd., Millsboro, DE 19966. A prayer service will begin at 3 PM. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Joe’s name to The Brandywine Valley SPCA in Georgetown, DE.