Richard Charles Dillon, Sr.

Winsted:  Richard C. Dillon, Sr., died at home on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, after a long illness.  He was born on July 13, 1934, in New Rochelle, NY, the son Joseph and Monica Dillon.  Richard was inseparable from his wife of 28 years and full time caregiver, Beverly Lamont Dillon.  He was devoted to his entire family.  Richard and Marie Dillon of Torrington, Kevin Dillon and Ellen Gordon of Island Park, NY, David and Robbin Dillon of Torrington, John Dillon of Groton, Erina and Brian Smith of Colebrook, multiple grandchildren, several great grandchildren.  Other surviving family members include brothers in law Daniel Lamont of Riverton and Brian Lamont of Winsted.  He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children, June Dillon, a daughter, Mary Rose, a son Mark and sisters Patricia Cichon and Jean Dubois.  

Richard retired as a machinist from Sterling Engineering in 1982, a company that unstintingly indulged his passion for community service and emergency medical care by allowing him to leave whenever Winsted Ambulance was dispatched.  Richard was awarded "Lifetime member" status of Winsted Area Ambulance Association when he retired from active call in 2007 after 30 years of service as an officer, EMT attendant, CPR and Emergency Medical Services Instructor and mentor to generations of new professionals.  He spent uncounted hours "on-call", taking everything from simple falls and the baby they delivered in 1989 to family care of patients beyond their help.  Charlotte Hungerford Hospital recognized him in 2014 for his "service and dedication to the EMS community".  He was awarded the Civilian Service medal and commendation by the Winsted Police Department for his actions in responding to a bank robbery at Society for Savings in Barkhamsted in 1999.  He was a retired member of the Ski Sundown Ski Patrol, serving the mountain and the skiing public for 15 years.  He was also a member of the Connecticut Disaster Medical Assistance Team, supporting team operations in times of federal disasters.  He was also a member of the Winsted Fire Department.  Married in October 1986, Richard became an instant fixture at the Lamont Christmas Tree Plantation during December selling seasons.  

Richard was also and avid reader and traveler, especially Disney Cruises that took them from Los Angeles to Mexico, through the Panama Canal all around the Caribbean, Mediterranean, transatlantic and around the Baltic through northern European capitals including Berlin and St. Petersburg.  He spent many summer hours on the Miramaichi River in New Brunswick, Canada, fishing or just relaxing and watching the river go by.  

Mere words do not convey our sincere, heart-felt appreciation of the nurses, especially Ella M. and home health aids, especially Helen M. from the Foothills Visiting Nurses for their service, support and friendship over the past fourteen months, to Winsted Ambulance members for their unstinting emotional and logistical support, to Sundown Ski Patrol and the DMAT team for the understanding that family comes first.  We ask that memorial donations recognizing Richard's service be made to the Winsted Area Ambulance Association or in his memory to the Foothills Visiting Nurses Association.  Calling hours and a memorial service will take place on Saturday, June 27, from 4pm - 7pm at the Maloney Funeral Home 55 Walnut Street in Winsted.  To leave an online condolence, please visit www.maloneyfuneral.com.

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