Fr. Thomas J. Dillon, age 81, of North Platte, passed away Tuesday August 26, 2014 at Great Plains Health.
Fr. Tom was born on June 14, 1933 in Ogallala to Vincent and Patricia (Donnelly) Dillon. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1951. After graduation he attended St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, CO and was ordained in the Grand Island Diocese in September 1959. Fr. Tom was first assigned to Chadron. In 1963, he volunteered to the U.S. Navy as a chaplain. He spent 10 years in the Navy, serving a tour with the Marines in Vietnam and two years on the USS Forestal Aircraft Carrier. After his discharge in 1974, he returned to Chadron where he served St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for two more years. Through the years, Fr. Tom served the parishes in Ashton, Elva, Lexington, Spalding, Resurrection Parish in Grand Island, and Hershey / Sutherland / Paxton. He retired in 1998 but continued to serve as a priest in the North Platte area.
Fr. Tom enjoyed all sports and attended as many St. Pat’s sporting events as possible. He was a well known face in the crowd and made a point to learn the names of all the kids and their parents. If he didn’t know them, he’d ask someone in a loud “whisper”! He enjoyed golf, the library, his various coffee clubs, and many other things that kept his life full and his mind active. Almost everyone who knew him has a “Father Tom” story to share! He’ll be missed by many and remembered with laughter and affection.
Fr. Tom is survived by two sisters, Peg (Wally) Coker of Cheyenne, WY, and Patricia Johnson of Twain Hart, CA; 18 nieces and nephews, John (Becky) Lupomech of Houston, TX, Mike (Leann) Lupomech of Lakewood, CO, Edward (Michelle) Lupomech of Augusta, GA, Cathy Lupomech of La Vista, NE, Joe (Julie) Lupomech of North Platte, NE, Jim Lupomech of Omaha, NE, Lynn Lupomech of Scottsbluff, NE, Dave Lupomech of Littleton, CO, Ann (David) Pieper of North Platte, NE, Cindy Lupomech of North Platte, NE, Mark (Cindy) Johnson of Los Gatos, CA, Matt (Claudia) Johnson of Cameron Park, CA, Rich (Jenn) Johnson of Las Vegas, NV, Doug (Kris) Johnson of San Jose, CA, Patty (Greg) Orrock of Soulsbyville, CA, Jim (Kim) Coker of Cheyenne, WY, Tom (Judie) Coker of Thornton, CO, and Kevin (Manda) Coker of Fort Collins, CO; as well as numerous great nieces and nephews and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Mary Lupomech; and two brother-in-laws, Ed Lupomech and Dick Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic School Endowment and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday August 28, 2014 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday August 29, 2014 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Bishop William J. Dendinger as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.