Thursday, October 1, 2026
James Gerald Dillon, of Lynbrook, died on Nov. 3. He was 91.
Dillon was born on April 3, 1924 in Brooklyn, and attended Boys High School there, graduating in 1942. That July, he enlisted din the in the Unites States Marine Corp and was Sgt. In charge of a Quad 45mm Anti-aircraft fun stationed on the USS Langley in the Pacific for the duration of World War II.
While in the service, he received the Combat Action Ribbon, two Navy Unit Commendations, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with 9 battle stars, the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation with 4 battle stars, NYS Conspicuous Service Cross and the Legion Merit award with Silver Cluster. He was discharged in 1945.
In 1952, he married the love of his life, Stella Krnetich, and they went on to have five children: Linda, Marianne (Joe Minasi), Jimmy (Shiela), Danny (Susan) and Regina (Sal), and raised them in Lynbrook. They were married for 62 years and had nine grandchildren: Michael, Joseph, Jimmy, Aidan, Lorelei, Courtney, Christie, Conor and Alisa.
Dillon worked for Citibank for 36 years and was very involved in the community, including CYO basketball, the Lynbrook Centennial committee, and for 15 years, he organized the Memorial Day parade. He was involved in the Irish Handicapped Children’s Olympics, was a longtime member of the Lynbrook Police Committee and was active in the local Toys for Tots program for many years. He was named Lynbrook’s Man of the Year in 2004. He was an ever-present participant in local VFW activities; was past commandant of the VFW post 2307; was a member of the American Legion and a DAV lifetime member.
Dillon’s desire to remain connected with his Marine Corp brothers led him to found The Marine Corp League Western Detachment with two other local Marines in 1988. He spearheaded and wrote a newsletter, organized and attended numerous reunions — he also attended a modified boot camp at Parris Island.
