Thomas Alexander Dillon III (September 12, 1944 - January 27, 2024)

In loving memory of
Thomas Alexander Dillon III
  • September 12, 1944
  • -
  • January 27, 2024

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Obituary

Thomas Alexander Dillon III “Tad” of Sarasota, FL passed away peacefully on January 27 at the age of 79. Born in Elizabeth, NJ, Tad was the youngest of two children born to Thomas Dillon and Adrienne Hodges. Shortly after he was born, the family moved to Greensboro, NC where he was raised.

Tad graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill in 1966. After graduation, he earned a commission as a 2ndLt in the United States Marine Corps through the Platoon Leaders Course (PLC). Subsequently, Tad attended Navy Flight School and received his “Wings of Gold” (Naval Aviator # T-10626) as a Marine Corps Fighter pilot on 5 July, 1967. Tad completed multiple tours in Vietnam. As a winged aviator, Tad flew the H-53, DC-3, T-2 Buckeye, A-4 Skyhawk, and F-8 Crusader.

After Vietnam, Tad entered the USMC reserves and earned an MBA from Emory University. He was a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with over forty years of experience in institutional equities with organizations such as Merrill Lynch, Salomon Brothers, Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, UBS, and Ascendiant.

Tad was working in San Francisco when he met Marti. They were married in a small ceremony in their home in Corona Del Mar, CA in 1984. Marti’s two sons, Dusty and Paul, from Marti’s previous marriage and their daughter, Jeanette, were Tad’s family for the forty years that followed. The family moved from California to Larchmont, NY in 1986.

The family’s time in Larchmont, NY and Stamford, CT were the golden years. Tad was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast who was a founding member of the Executives Who Ride motorcycle club from Greenwich CT. He passed on his love of motorcycles to his sons who both became expert riders. In addition, his USMC service as a Naval Aviator strongly influenced Dusty to become a Naval Aviator. Tad was known for his commitment to hard work, integrity, and fairness. All qualities that he strived every day to impart to his children.

Tad is survived by his sons, Dusty (Ryan) Rhodes of Potomac, MD, Paul (Ashley) Rhodes of Newport Beach, CA, daughter Jeanette (Reed) Sutton of Canton, GA, and his ten grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas Dillon, Adrienne Hodges and sister Carol Dillon Howard.

The family will be holding a memorial service for Tad and Marti on March 9 at 10:30 am at the Longboat Island Chapel with a reception to follow at the Sarasota Yacht Club, Sarasota, FL. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to the United States Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation in Tad’s name.

Tad will be laid to rest with Marti at Pacific View Cemetery in Corona del Mar, CA with military honors.


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  1. Linda Wheatley Stovall says:
    19 Apr 2024
    Tad & Marti were the finest example of a caring and loving couple with each other and everyone they knew.

    My husband Robert & I admired Tad & Marti for achievements & discipline in ethics, generosity, integrity and in rearing wonderful children who are highly accomplished. There families were the joys of their lives especially their ever increasing number of grandchildren and many friends.

    I think of them and send you my heartfelt sympathy, Linda

  2. Jim & Lynne Fleischmann says:
    09 Mar 2024
    The service was a lovely tribute to Marti & Tad.
    We were good friends for decades and will deeply miss them.

  3. Hector & Olga Miranda lit a candle:
    09 Mar 2024
    Lit since March 9, 2024 at 3:38:03 AM

  4. Eduardo , Pilar & Gabrielle lit a candle:
    09 Mar 2024
    Lit since March 9, 2024 at 3:36:56 AM

  5. Nancy Johnson says:
    14 Feb 2024
    Marti and Tad Dillon were two kind, intelligent, sweet souls who shall be missed by friends and family. I remember Marti's wonderful hospitality and love for her dogs and family. Tad's service to his country and love and care for his family were to be greatly commended. I am very sorry that I cannot attend their memorial service but will be there in spirit and love.

  6. Justin Parks says:
    14 Feb 2024
    Although I had not seen them for several years, I stayed in close contact with Tad. As a fellow Vietnam veteran, I had great respect for Tad and loved the many motorcycle trips we took together, including Europe and the Alps. Both Tad and Marti were good friends.

  7. Irene and PeterBiancotti says:
    12 Feb 2024
    We only met Tad a few times and we found him to be a kind and gentle man.
    Rest in Peace Tad, you wil be missed.
    Irene and Peter Biancotti

  8. Theodore O'Neill says:
    10 Feb 2024
    I consider Tad a good friend and there aren't a lot of those. I visited him at his home many times and he was always respectful and interested in my disabled son. That is a rare thing. We shared in our business successes at Ascendiant. We nearly crossed paths at Salomon and we shared a love of cars and motorcycles. I will miss him in my life.

  9. Paul says:
    09 Feb 2024
    Couldn’t have had better friends! Miss them and always will! Paul

  10. Edward Woo says:
    09 Feb 2024
    I had the great pleasure of working and knowing Tad these past 10 years at Ascendiant. Tad and Marti will be missed, but the times with them will never be forgotten.

  11. Muriel Savikas says:
    08 Feb 2024
    Tad was Marti’s white knight and a dear friend. Times with Tad and Marti were too few after their move East but were always a treasure. Tad had a beautiful heart. We were blessed to know him.
    Muriel and Victor Savikas

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