· Lived to be Ninety-Five
Timothy Dillon Peacefully Passes Away
Was the Oldest Inhabitant of New Rochelle
and His Heart Simply Wore Out.
Had More than One Hundred Relatives in this Vicinity
Big Funeral
Timothy Dillon is dead. He was the oldest inhabitant of New Rochelle and perhaps in Westchester County. He passed away at 10:25 Monday morning at his home in Pelham Road quietly and peacefully like a child going to sleep. He had been confined to his bed for just two weeks because the heart which had never ceased beating for 95 years was running down tired and worn out. That expresses the manner in which he died. He had lived to a good old age, his life had been one well spent and he was ready to go yet it was hard for his family to see his life gradually ebb away until the light went out.
Timothy Dillon was born in Birr, Parsonstown, Kings County, Ireland in December 1811 and was baptized on New Years Day 1812. He left Ireland March 17, 1846 and came to New York May 11, 1846 and came to New Rochelle on the following day. His brother John Dillon had preceded him here. He was accompanied by his Mother, Sister, his niece, now Mrs Kerwin and a dozen more relatives. His first employment was with the Coles family in Pelham and later was foreman for the Bartow’s gang; from there to Larchmont to work for EK Collins, president of the Collins Steamship Line. For many years he was gardener at Pelham Priory and also worked for Charles Roosevelt. He lived in the place where he died more than half a century. His ready Irish wit and kindly courteous manner made him a great favorite with all who knew him. His best friends included the families of his employers and neighbors, the Boltons, Roosevelts, Emmetts Keoghs and Schuylers.
When he first came to New Rochelle it was but a little hamlet and the reminiscence of half a century always proved an entertainment to his audience. He often walked to New York and later when the railroad was built as far as Williamsbridge he would walk to get a train to the city.
His wife, who died 15 years ago, was Maria Murray. They were married by Father O’Reilly, the priest in New Rochelle more than half a century ago. Mr. Dillon worked steadily until he was eighty and never knew what a sick day was. Twice since he suffered from pneumonia he was ill only about two weeks before his death. He insisted on working around the place. Only a few weeks before he sawed up a large quantity of wood including a number of locust posts which his son was reserving for future use. This task was remarkable for a man of his age. Two weeks ago he enjoyed an automobile ride with James Kerwin, Superintendent of New York Athletic Club. He went to Larchmont and was sorry when the trip was over.
He was a member of the Irish Benevolent Society, being the last of the founders and the Holy Name Society. He had voted the Democratic national ticket for fifty years but voted as he deemed best in local affairs, although never taking an active part in politics.
He is survived by four daughters, Misses Sara, Nora and Elizabeth Dillon, and Mrs. Michael Cuddy, sons William and John Dillon, one great grandchild, the son of Mr and Mrs. Patrick Cuddy. He had eight grandchildren. Mayor Michael J. Dillon was his nephew and in this vicinity more than 100 relatives.
The funeral was very large held at Church of Blessed Sacrament on Thursday morning . He was devout member of Blessed Sacrament Church. Requiem Mass was sung by Father McLoughlin with deacon Father Hughes subdeacon. A quartet sang “Lead Kindly Light” and “Nearer My Heart to Thee.” In his eulogy Father McLoughlin briefly spoke of his simple honest life of Mr. Dillon, which he said was an example which might well be followed by others. He had attained an age which few of the present generations were likely to reach because of the strenuous life now led.
The funeral was very large there being fifty coaches in the procession. Burial was in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery New Rochelle.
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