Sidney died peacefully in his sleep Feb. 4, 2021, at home in Basking Ridge, N.J. He was 97.

Born June 3, 1923, in New York City, he was educated at The Hill School, Princeton University, and the University of Virginia Law School. He served in the Navy during World War II. After UVA, he joined the Morristown, N.J., law firm of Dillon Bitar & Luther, where he was a senior partner practicing estate and trust law for over 40 years

He married Dorothy Hardin in 1948. A long-time resident of Oldwick, N.J., he served on the Tewksbury Township Planning Committee and the Board of Elections; served as a vestry member at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Gladstone; and was a member of the Somerset Hills Lake & Game Club, the Somerset Hills Country Club, and The Sankaty Head Golf Club.

An avid birder and expert on wild flowers, he was an early environmentalist and participated in efforts to protect New Jersey’s natural treasures, including the Pine Barrens and the Great Swamp.

Sidney was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, and his eldest son, Thomas H. Dillon. He is survived by daughters Dorothy and her husband, David; Lucy; and Mary and her husband, Larry; son Charles and his wife, Debra; daughter-in-law Patricia; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.