David Loran Dillon

John 11:25

David L. Dillon was born on November 3, 1953, and went home to be with the Lord on March 20, 2010. He was born to Jack and Diane Dillon in Denver, Colorado, and they moved to California, settling in the west San Fernando Valley. Jack and Diane went on to have two more sons Doug and John, as well as a daughter Cathy. David attended Justice Street Elementary School and Columbus Junior High. He continued his education at Canoga Park High School and graduated in 1971. Six months after his high school graduation, he met his future bride Christine A. Ponticelli whom he married in February of 1976. They had four children—Michelle, James, Michael, and Carla—whom Dave was committed to offering every advantage possible, including organized sports, private education, and a foundation of faith and values.

David enjoyed life and all that it had to offer. During his high-school years, he performed many antics, such as putting the school up for sale, building a bench pyramid that could only be deconstructed with a crane, and wreaking havoc with a dummy named George. While he had his mischievous side, he was also a responsible student, gifted athlete, and became captain of the football team. His intelligence, sense of responsibility, and leadership skills brought him the success he experienced in his career as a software developer, working for such companies as Blue Cross, Flying Tigers, Gibraltar Savings, Disney, and Farmers Insurance. As an avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching his favorite teams, coaching high school football and his kids’ little league, as well as cycling, fishing, and playing softball. David was also an entertaining story-teller; he loved to reminisce about his youthful shenanigans, and recount simpler times growing up in the San Fernando Valley amongst orange groves and horse corals. However, in his heart of hearts, he was a devoted family man and was always happiest spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren playing cards and board games, having Sunday afternoon barbecues, and bocce tournaments.

In his latter years, he grew to know the love of Christ and exemplified his faith in his daily living. In the spring of 2007, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and for three years, he battled courageously. He continued to fight the good fight of faith until the very end when he passed away due to complications from his treatment.

He is survived by his wife Christine; daughter Michelle and her husband Matthew; son James, son Michael and his wife Jasmina, daughter Carla; and grandchildren Madeline and Emily. David’s self-sacrificing love and devotion are a great inspiration to his family, and he will be immensely missed until their glorious reunion in heaven.