Harry Joseph Dillon Jr.

Matthews, North Carolina 

Harry Joseph “Joe” Dillon Jr., 68, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center in Matthews, North Carolina.

Born on October 27, 1957, in Sagamihara, Japan, Joe was the son of a military family. Though he lived in many places, he called Mansfield, Ohio, his hometown and was a 1976 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School. Joe went on to study communications and broadcast journalism at Ohio University, sparking a lifelong passion for media and storytelling.

Joe’s career was defined by his ability to connect people through art and music. He began in radio broadcasting before becoming a vibrant fixture in the Columbus, Ohio, arts and nightlife scene. His talent for relationship-building eventually led him into professional arts fundraising, where he championed organizations including the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Zachary Scott Theatre Center in Austin, and the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. Most recently, Joe’s dedication to the arts brought him to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he took great pride in his work with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

Known for his compassion and loyalty, Joe had a rare gift for making others feel truly seen. He was a generous soul who left a lasting impression on everyone and every community he touched.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Joseph Dillon Sr. and Hatsuko “Margie” Dillon. He is remembered by his siblings and a devoted circle of close friends who were his chosen family.

In keeping with Joe’s wishes, no formal services will be held. To honor his memory and the community he loved, donations may be made to PFLAG Charlotte (pflagcharlotte.org/donate).

The Dillon family have entrusted arrangements to Roseboro's Mortuary & Crematory.

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