George Arthur Dillon, affectionately known as “Geego,” was born in 1957 at Kingston Public Hospital in Jamaica, West Indies. The eldest son of Richard and Amy Dillon, George grew up alongside most of his siblings: Dennis, Sheryl, Kingsley, Robin, Mark and Joey.
From his early years, George was always intellectually curious, eager to learn, and courageous. His innate curiosity and analytical mind were evident at a very early age. His mother fondly recalls that he once disassembled a radio in an attempt to understand its inner workings and uncover the mysterious source of the sound and voices emanating from it.
While residing in Kingston, George would travel on the bus at the age of 7 to attend Lawrence Tavern Primary School, some 15 miles away. His family would eventually relocate to that area where his father was stationed as a civil servant.
George excelled remarkably and before completing primary school, he was awarded a scholarship to attend Calabar High School, an elite boys high school in Kingston. He continued to do well academically and graduated at the top of his class. During summer recess, he accompanied his father to work, where he eagerly assisted him as an intern doing accounting and reconciliation as his father carried out his responsibilities as supervisor and assistant deputy superintendent of the Public Works Department and as district constable in the Jamaica Police Force. George was admired by all of his siblings who saw him as a leader and someone who possessed a wealth of knowledge and a generous disposition.
After graduating from high school, George migrated to the United States to join his mother, and he would later make his home in New Jersey. He continued his education at Bergen Community College and William Paterson University, where he earned a degree in Business Management and Accounting. During his time at Bergen Community College, he served as president of the International Students Association, where he demonstrated a genuine commitment to the success and well-being of others.
George was raised with a love for God and was baptized in 1972 at the Lawrence Tavern SDA Church, where he remained active in church ministry. He and his brother Dennis were the youth leaders, and he also engaged in Bible study and weekly Bible Prophecy classes with one of his early mentors, Elder Lloyd Bucknor.
He continued serving the Lord in many different capacities at the First SDA Church of Teaneck, NJ, especially in the Adventist Youth ministry. He particularly enjoyed the panel discussions where he had so much to contribute. George also loved to discuss prophecy and the teachings of the Bible. His mom recalls him discussing the Bible with his grandmother on a trip to Jamaica.
In 2020 during the pandemic, George began virtually attending Rise Church New York, pastored by his brother, Dennis. He assisted the IT team and served as the church’s web developer until his passing.
George A. Dillon also enjoyed playing soccer and played regularly on a team in Teaneck, NJ, and on other soccer clubs for many years. His competitive nature extended to playing board games, especially chess, checkers and – of course – dominoes with anyone who was up for the challenge.
An avid golfer, he was a founding member and former president of Moments Golf Club, which over the years issued many scholarships to deserving students moving on to college – allowing him to combine one of his favorite pastimes with an opportunity to help others advance through education. His golfing trips have taken him to many parts of the world and have opened many doors. Additionally, he served as a former president of the New York chapter of his high school alumni association known as COBA (Calabar Old Boys Association), and during his presidency, he was instrumental in bringing then Jamaica Prime Minister PJ Patterson to New York.
George went on to build a diverse professional background and a career that encompassed mortgage banking, real estate brokerage, accounting and information technology. He was a serial entrepreneur and launched several business enterprises, including Metro Messenger Services, which was one of the first businesses back in the mid-1980s in the City of Englewood, NJ to own a personal computer (Dell PC). He later owned and operated Capital Growth Real Estate and a NovaStar Finance franchise which specialized in mortgage lending. George also had multiple real estate investment properties in New York, New Jersey, and Florida.
Following the huge downturn in the mortgage industry, George pivoted to working in Medical Technology, consulting with many hospitals and medical centers across the US. George remained committed to refining his skills and expanding his professional expertise, earning numerous certifications within his field. At the time of his passing, while working from home as an amputee, he operated Capgro Services LLC, which specialized in building websites and IT consulting, and providing accounting services to his many clients.
George shared his life with his wife, Vivette, whom he loved and cared for deeply, and was the proud father of his son, Brandon. Although George possessed tremendous knowledge of mathematics, accounting, finance, and business, some of the most important lessons he passed on to his son had nothing to do with numbers. Through his example, he taught the importance of morals, character, dignity, and respect.
Those who knew George experienced a man who could be wonderfully funny one moment and unmistakably serious the next. He had a strong presence, a curious mind, and an energy uniquely his own. There was also a certain mystery about George: even those closest to him could not always figure out exactly what was going through his mind.
George believed strongly in learning and had little patience for those unwilling to learn when given the opportunity. His passion for knowledge became one of the qualities his son would later recognize in himself.
Above all, George believed in treating people with dignity. His respect was not determined by a person’s title, wealth, occupation, or social standing. He treated family, friends, associates, and those he encountered throughout life with the same fundamental respect.
Two days before his passing, George placed an online order for his mother, which was delivered the following day. The day before his passing, he told her that he intended to order the same item for himself. Their conversation concluded with a simple yet profound exchange of love – words they shared without knowing that they would be their final expressions of love to one another. George lovingly said, “Mommy, I love you.” She replied, “I love you too. You know you are my favorite.” Neither could have known that, by the following day, those ordinary words would become a treasured and everlasting memory.
George leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Vivette; his son, Brandon; his mother, Amy; his siblings: Dennis (Zienzile), Sheryl (Tony), Kingsley, Robin (Islyn), Mark (Kaydeann), Joey (Sahara), Debbie, and Carlene; and a host of extended family members, friends, colleagues and loved ones.
George’s legacy lives in the family he loved, the knowledge he shared, the opportunities he helped create for others, and the values he demonstrated throughout his life. Those who knew Geego will always remember his humor, intelligence, generosity, competitive sportsmanship, unmistakable energy, and above all, the strength of his character.