Richard Albert Dillinger, age 87, of Melbourne, FL (originally from Long Island, NY), a veteran seaman of the US Navy, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2014 after a long illness. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 2 PM at Emeritus at Melbourne, located at 1765 Hibiscus Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32901.

Loved ones live on in our memories. Here's how we remember Richard Dillinger:

Known as Dick to his friends, he lived a full and wonderful life. His never-failing kindness, generosity, and optimism were felt by everyone who knew him. Warm hellos, smiles, waves and pats on the back are what you'd expect any and every time you saw him. He loved and was devoted to his wife, Ginny, many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren like no other . He was one of a kind: a seasoned outdoorsman, a master craftsman, a devoted husband, father and grandfather; his talents were numerous and his work ranged from building houses in his early days to 30+ years as a Proposal Manager at Grumman-Bethpage. His hobbies were plentiful, too. He spent months, days, and hours building ship models - especially the one presented to President Rooseveltas well as creating toy soldiers, army men shadow boxes, and hand carved wedding albums. He also had a special love for dancing. Whether chaperoning his daughters at nightclubs (OBI-South), square dancing at Jones Beach Boardwalk with family and friends, or partner dancing with his wife (Fred & Ginger) - even on roller skates; his energy was endless. He was just as happy to just sit and enjoy Mom's piano playing, whether it was for an audience of many, or for his own enjoyment. He volunteered for many causes, but the Eaton's Neck Fire Department, Northport, NY was one he particularly loved. His stay at Emeritus, though short, was memorable. He enjoyed sitting in the sun for hours reading his favorite mystery novel or the many magazines to which he subscribed. He loved talking with friends and staff. He was a champion for all causes "Emeritus". His crowning achievement there was when he and Mom were voted King & Queen of the Prom. To the very end, he was a wonderful husband, awesome father and inspiring grandfather. He will always be remembered as our hero.

He will live on forever in our hearts and minds.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred & Albert Dillinger, Gilda and his daughter Wendy Dillinger. He leaves behind his wife of 54 years Virginia (Ginny) Dillinger, brother Donald and Sister Christine, and Children, Ricky, Glenn, Cindy (Jerry), Michael (Luciane), Buddy (Marjorie), Kathie (Joseph), Karen (Barry) and David (Michelle), as well as Grandchildren Eric, Bryant, Elizabeth, Paige, Jordan, Thomas, Emilia, Nicholas, Daniel, Timothy, Nicole, Kristine, Kimberly, Steven, Melissa, Matthew, Kyle, Dylan, Samantha, Ethan, Noah, Eric, Great Grandchildren Austin, Benjamin and Shannon.