It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend Coach Paul Dillon,on Ryan’s birthday, July 20th. Coach Dillon was inspired by Ryan, his life and his story, enough so that he blessed our family with a portrait of Ryan for us to treasure his gift of talents and his love forever. No doubt Coach Dillon has an amazing tour guide and a new found friend. Our lives are for the better in knowing him. 💜Bronx, N.Y. – Fordham University is mourning the loss of head golf coach Paul Dillon, who passed away last night at the age of 85 after a prolonged battle with an illness at Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital.
Paul Dillon speaks with a student-athlete"Fordham lost a man who epitomized the Jesuit value of being a man for others," said director of athletics Ed Kull. "Paul was so much more than just a golf coach to his student-athletes. He was a mentor and friend, taking an extreme interest in the lives of all of his golfers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Dillon family and all the former student-athletes who were fortunate enough to play for Paul."
"It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of Paul Dillon, longtime Fordham golf coach, stated Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. "Paul's story is extraordinary, from being an award-winning golf coach to a noted portrait painter. He served as a mentor to so many student-athletes and golf coaches in the Atlantic 10. I offer prayers and condolences to Paul's family, the golf team and to the Fordham community."
Dillon has had great success as of late with the Fordham golf team. In 2017-18 the Rams boasted top-10 finishes in nine of 11 events with James Mongey taking home the individual title at the Ryan Lee Memorial Invitational, where Fordham also won the team event for its best finish of the season.
Paul Dillon speaks with a student-athleteOne of his Dillon's best seasons came in 2004 when he guided the Rams to a fourth place finish at the Atlantic 10 Championship, the best showing in team history. For that accomplishment, Dillon received the 2004 Atlantic 10 Golf Coach of the Year and the Iron Major Award as Fordham Coach of the Year.
Dillon was very active in the golf community of Westchester County, serving as President of the Metropolitan Golf Association, receiving the 2010 MGA Distinguished Service Award, and as President of the Westchester Golf Association and the WGA Caddie Scholarship Fund. He has also been on the Executive Committee of the Metropolitan Golf Association and served as the President of the Halfway Houses of Westchester Foundation. He was a member of both the Winged Foot Golf Club and the Wykagyl Country Club.
Dillon was inducted into the Westchester Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.
An accomplished painter, Dillon has produced portraits of many famous professional golfers, including Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, which are displayed at golf clubs and museums around the world.
Dillon is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, and their six children: Brian, Katy, Matt, Paul, Timothy, and Kevin.
Arrangements
Wake: Sunday, July 25
2:00 to 4:00 / 7:00 to 9:00.
Fox Funeral Home
2080 Boston Post Rd.
Larchmont, NY 10538
Mass: Monday, July 26 at 10:00am
St. Augustine Church
18 Cherry Ave.
Larchmont, NY 10538
