Richard E. Dillon ’55

A pioneering advertising executive and entrepreneur, Dick was born Sept. 14, 1933, to Irene and John C. Dillon, and died of cancer Aug. 17, 2017, in Vero Beach, Fla.

After working at General Foods and Johnson & Johnson, Dick created one of the first advertising agencies focused on marketing to Hispanics in the United States. Mendoza, Dillon & Asociados grew rapidly and was eventually acquired by the WPP Group.

After the acquisition of his company, Dick and wife Phyllis divided their time between New York City, Vero Beach, Fla., and Steamboat Springs, Colo. An avid golfer, fly-fisherman, skier, traveler, bridge aficionado, and history enthusiast, he had a robust physical and intellectual curiosity. Despite his personal philosophy — “Life is war and every day’s a battle” — he will be remembered as one of the most personable and joy-filled of men.

One of his grandsons, hearing his boisterous laugh, dubbed him “Ha-Ha,” his sobriquet for the rest of his life. His zest for living showed in the iconic pink polo shirt he wore on the links and his frequent bursts into song in his lilting Irish tenor.

He is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 62 years, six children, and eight grandchildren.