Jerome L. Dillon

Dillon, Jerome (Jerry) L. (1929 - 2010) - Jerry was the son of Leon Dillon and Altah Dillon (formerly Chenowith). He was born and raised in Phoenix and played basketball at Phoenix Union High School where he earned all state honors in basketball. He then went to Tucson and was the starting center for the University of Arizona from 1950-1952 on a team that played in both the NIT and NCAA tournament and finished in the top 10 in the country. Following his time at the U of A he played briefly in the NBA followed by joining the U.S. Air Force, and played on the all Air Force team that toured all over the world. He then continued to play for teams in Italy before returning to Arizona. He worked for APS for 33 years after his basketball career and was enjoying retirement by being active in Thunderbird Kiwanis, the Phoenix Garden Club, the APS retirement organization, and the local senior center. Jerry passed away on January 28, 2010 and leaves behind his son Mike and his three grandson’s Ryan, Jake, and Reed. He also leaves behind his fiance Emma Hedlund. Visitation will be at Hansen Mortuary 8314 N. 7th St. on Wednesday, 2/3/10 from 4:00-7:00pm. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, 2/4/10 at 10:00am at Palo Christi Presbyterian Church followed by the burial at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery and a reception at Garcia’s on 35th Avenue and Encanto. Donations can be made in Jerry’s name to the Arizona Humane Society, Palo Christi Presbyterian Church, or Hospice of the Valley.

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