Edward Francis Dion

Edward Francis, age 84, a longtime resident of the Atlanta area, died July 22, 2019. Born in New York City, he was the oldest of five children of Gordon Dion and Mary Gallagher. He graduated from Bayside High School before going on to New York City College obtaining a degree in Electrical Engineering. Ed served honorably in the United States Navy for 8 years as an electrician’s mate, 2nd class. Ed began work in the elevator trade at age 16 as a mechanic’s helper and ultimately rose to an executive level at Schindler Elevator over a 60 year career. Ed embraced the challenge of work and developed deep lifelong relationships with his coworkers. When he retired in 2010, Ed was considered one of the foremost authorities in the elevator industry.

Ed met his wife of 58 years, Lois Jean Smith (predeceased) in New York City when he returned from his military service overseas. After a fast courtship, they were married in October 1957 and honeymooned in Miami, Florida. Their family moved frequently due to Ed’s promotions. During his career Ed lived in New York City, New York; Randolph, New Jersey; Atlanta, Georgia; Spring, Texas; Jacksonville, FL; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ed was very active in two Atlanta-area Catholic parishes – All Saints and Our Lady of the Assumption for over 20 years. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by three siblings: Gordon Dion, Jr., of Huntington, Station, NY; Joan Johnstone of Indian Rocks Beach, FL; Ann Corcoran of Greensboro, NC; predeceased by sister Patricia Mesrobian; survived by his six children: Michelle Kiernan and her husband, Patrick, of Colorado Springs, CO; Mary Beth Taylor and her husband, Mark, of Franklin, TN; Edward Dion and his wife, Sue, of St. Paul, MN; Suzanne Ballow of Roswell, GA; Michael Dion and his wife, Laura, of Frisco, TX; Danielle Dion of Phoenix, AZ; as well as fourteen grandchildren ranging in age from 33 down to 4 (Scott, Melanie, Brad, Carter, Madison, Annie, Edward, Stephen, Colleen, Evan, Elyse, Tristan, Brady, and Brynn). And finally, one great-grandchild “SJ.”

One of Ed’s favorite activities included traveling the country by car to visit family and friends garnering him the nickname “Driver Ed.” He also loved to go fishing, whenever he was near any body of water, and bike riding to stay in shape. But he was most well known for being able to fix ANYTHING that was broken. He made repairs and renovations to his children’s homes all over the United States.

The family will receive friends and family at H.M. Patterson & Son - Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, Atlanta, on Sunday, July 28th from 4 – 6pm. A Catholic mass will be conducted at Our Lady of The Assumption Church on Monday, July 29th at 11am. Online condolences at www.hmpattersonoglethorpe.com are encouraged, valued, and appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed Dion’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Web: stjudes.org, Phone: 800-822-6344