Emery Andrew Dilda

Vale Emery

Emery Andrew Dilda, 79, born February 17, 1942, in Bedford, Ohio, to Emery P. and Julia Dilda. He passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021.

Emery is survived by his loving wife, Jean Ross, of Cornelius, North Carolina; brother, Victor Dilda (Jan) of Florida, and sister, Susie Little (Joe) of Ohio, as well as children Lindsay Gilmore (Leonard) of Virginia and Kevin Dilda (Chey) of Texas, grandchildren Brett Gilmore (USN) and Samantha Dilda, and stepchildren Kelly Ross (Evelio), Laura Spencer (Scott) and step-grandchildren Cora and Auggie Spencer.

Emery graduated from Chardon High School, Chardon, Ohio, in 1960, and California State University, Fullerton in 1968. He joined the Navy in 1967 and later worked at the Government Printing Office in Washington, DC, for thirty years.

Emery met his second wife, Jean, in 2007, and they were married at Surfside Beach, South Carolina, on August 10, 2012. He loved Jean dearly and they had many wonderful times travelling overseas and cruising to the Caribbean, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Emery and Jean moved to Bailey’s Glen, Cornelius, North Carolina, in January 2016. Emery enjoyed all sports, especially baseball, and avidly followed the Washington Nationals. He also liked to play RummyKub, canasta, and shuffleboard. Emery and Jean enjoyed picnics at Jetton Park. Emery loved being at the beach, cooking, talking politics, listening to music, solving Sudoku puzzles, and anything with American flags on it.

Emery’s friends and family will remember him as a gentleman. He was kind, sweet, happy, easy going, and optimistic. His infectious laugh, cheerful smile, and positive outlook were inspiring to those who knew the difficult medical problems he suffered over the years.

For information about the virtual memorial service for Emery that will be held Saturday, March 6, 2021, please email emerydildamemorial@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, P.O. Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247, donatehospice.org