Obituary of William J. Dillon

Dillon-McGuinness, William James “Liam,” of Haddonfield, New Jersey passed away on  Thursday, April 20, 2023.  He was 73.
 
Birth parents, John Rodney Dillon and Mary Ann Dalton Dillon.  Raised from birth by Michael Joseph McGuinness and Ellen (“Nellie”) McGuinness.  Survived by his three brothers, James, Walter (Joan), Terrence (Linda) and one sister, RoseAnn Dillon Jugla; his sister-in-law’s Linda McGuinness and Kathleen McGuinness.  Predeceased by his brothers, Michael, John McGuinness and John Dillon.  Survived by many loving nieces and nephews.  Also survived by his Owl’s Tale family; Edith Wilcox, Margaret Long, Lisa Eiler, Mathew Calio, Frank Marche and Dwight Logan and predeceased by Dorothy Oberholzer.

Growing up and spending most of his childhood in Woodbury, NJ, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in Camden.  Upon graduation from Rutgers, he earned his teaching certificate from Glassboro State College.  Liam taught business courses at Haddon Heights High School, NJ, and was the class advisor for the class of 1978.  He successfully orchestrated an antique show for the benefit of his class, resulting in his class becoming the wealthiest class in the history of the school, and enabling them to be the first class to go to Disney World on their class trip.  Although he loved teaching and interacting with his students, having his enrollment double between his second and third year of teaching and having the yearbook dedicated to his honor in 1978, his true calling was not to happen until the following year.

Liam’s love and appreciation for antiques started in his early teens in Old Woodbury while visiting and doing chores for elderly neighbors.  In September 1978, along with his business partner, Louis J. LaCorte, they opened The Owl’s Tale in Haddonfield, NJ. The business grew rapidly, and The Owl’s Tale became a quality antique department store, displaying South Jersey’s largest collection of fine estate jewelry.  During this time, Liam took numerous trips to Asia and Europe for the purpose of buying inventory.

With Louis’s passing in 2012, Liam continued the business on his own until his own ill health forced his early retirement in June 2016.  He considered his daily trips to the store each day a blessing, and his associates, friends made through the store, clients, and acquaintances his greatest gift from Almighty God.  He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Liam's viewing on Monday, May 8, 2023 after 5 PM and Tuesday, May 9, 2023 8:30-9:45 AM. Words of Remembrance will follow at 9;45 AM. in the McGUINNESS FUNERAL HOME, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury. Liam's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 in Holy Angels parish at St. Patrick's R. C. Church, 86 Cooper Street, Woodbury. Interment St. Joseph's Cemetery, Swedesboro, NJ. Those unable to attend the mass in person are welcome to join us online by selecting the link below.

http://client.tribucast.com/tcid/4891165912

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Liam's memory may be made to Catholic Partnership Schools by vistiing www.catholicpartnershipschools.org