J. Brian Dillon, 84

LENOX, Mass. — J. Brian Dillon died on December 17, 2018, in Lenox, Massachusetts, peacefully, with his family by his side. 

Brian was born in New York on July 19, 1934. He graduated from Fordham Preparatory School in 1952 and continued on to Cornell University in 1956, where he studied letters, philosophy and faith, was president of SAE fraternity, and moonlit as a radio DJ. Next Brian served as a Lieutenant Junior Grade on the USS Macon.  

He married the girl next door, Monika Pyka in 1963. Brian followed his father’s path into a career through the golden age of advertising, retiring as a creative director at Young and Rubicam. He pursued his passion for creative writing, earning an MFA at Goddard College. 

Brian rode his bike to work and loved swimming and sailing. He was an avid reader, writer, and dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker. He strived to challenge himself and those around him. 

He is survived by his two sons, Peter and Gregory; their wives Diane Dillon and Samantha Skey; five grandchildren; his brothers Don and Stuart as well as their wives Fran Dillon and Susan Dillon; and his sister Nan Dillon. 

Brian was predeceased by his wife Monika, the love of his life. 

Funeral notice: Celebrations of his life will be held at St. Ignatius Loyola in New York City on January 22, 2019, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Care in the Berkshires. He very much appreciated their support and that of the loving staff at Kimball Farms. Donations may be sent c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.