John F. Dillon (Jack) left us on April 19, 2021 suddenly and at home with his wife. He was 75 and he died as many of us wish and he often said: quickly and painlessly. Born in Joliet, Jack attended school there and continued to Southern Illinois University for his bachelor's degree. He taught school at St. Ray's in Joliet for a few years also working with his dear lifelong friend Bob Pekol. Eventually, he took the opportunity to become a partner is his lifelong career at Syl's Restaurant in Rockdale. Bartender and host were just a part of his responsibilities for over 40 years. He had many very special friends at Syl's and at Morris Country Club where he loved golf and cards with his special group. He retired January 12, 2019 and really enjoyed the slower pace reading books, going out to dinner with his wife and great friends Lana and Pinky and with family. Maybe most of all in retirement, he loved playing poker with his Moran AC buddies and his neighborhood pals. Jack's dry humor endeared him to so many, and it was foolish to challenge him in a game of Jeopardy or Trivial Pursuit. He was very intelligent but blew that off by saying his mind just retained useless trivia as well. Jack is preceded in death by his mother Gertrude (Schmidt) Dillon and father John Henry Dillon. His wife Gael (Weigerding) Dillon misses him more than words can describe, and he will be truly missed by his brother Jerry Dillon, sister-in-law Colleen (Burcenski) Dillon; sister Mary Ellen (Dillon) Mitchell and brother-in-law Doug Mitchell; nieces and nephews Jenae (Kevin) Prince, Sarah (Brian) Gimbel, Craig (Kelly) Mitchell and Jennifer (Matt) Bortoli. Also, great nieces Jayden Prince, Ryan Prince, Hannah Mitchell; great nephews Will Gimbel, Jake Gimbel and his wife's loving family (Sandy, Mike, Carol, Alex and Jake). We would like to thank our wonderful neighbors and the tireless efforts of the Manhattan Fire Department (and Police) who arrived so quickly. Memorials may be made in Jack's name to a charity of your choice or to the Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 for their past help with his parents and so many others. Burial will be entirely private as Jack wished. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State Street, Manhattan, IL 60442, (815) 478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com