Father Alan M. Dillmann

1933 - 2011

Father Alan M. Dillmann obituary, 1933-2011, Tucker, GA

BORN

1933

DIED

2011

FUNERAL HOME

H.M. Patterson & Son-Spring Hill Chapel

1020 Spring Street NW

Atlanta, Georgia

Alan Dillmann Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 9, 2011.

Reverend Alan Mark Dillmann was born in New York City on June 2, 1933, and died in Atlanta on January 7, 2011, at the age of 77. His parents are the late Wilham F. Dillmann and Emily W. Callaghan Dillmann. Survivors include cousins: Margorie Grady, Leominster, Massachusetts; Ursula Myers, Chester, Virginia; Kenny Myers, Mineola, Texas; Betty Bova, Vienna, Virginia; and numerous second cousins.

Fr. Dillmann was ordained on May 23, 1959, by The Most Reverend Francis E. Hyland at St. Theresa's Church in Woodside, New York. He was educated at St. Bernard's Minor Seminary in St. Bernard, Alabama, and at St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, MD.

His first assignment was at Cathedral of Christ the King where he served as Assistant Pastor from1959-1963. He served on the Archdiocesan Commission on Sacred Liturgy from1962-1967 and was Assistant Pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Atlanta from1963-1964. He was a teacher at St. Pius X High School from1963 -1964, Assistant Pastor at St. Jude Parish in 1964 and was in residence at Our Lady of the Assumption in 1965. He then lived in residence at Holy Cross Church from1965-1967 serving as the Assistant in the Department of Education in1965. He was then named the Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish serving from1967-1971 and Pastor of St. Philip Benizi Parish serving there from 1971-1975. He was the Priest-in-charge at the Buford-Cumming Missions from1975-1980 becoming the first Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Cumming in1980. He was named the Pastor of Holy Spirit Parish serving from1981-1987. He was the Chaplain for Grady Hospital and for Fulton County Jail in1987 in residence at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in 1987 when he retired. After retirement, he spent the next several years as a Chaplain for the United States Army in Germany.

There will be a Wake Service by Msgr. Henry Gracz for the repose of the soul of Fr. Dillmann at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 16, with visitation continuing until 5:00 p.m. at H.M. Patterson & Son – Spring Hill Chapel, 1020 Spring Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, 404-876-1022.

The Reception of the Body of Fr. Dillmann will be at 10:15 a.m. and the Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 17, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. The Rite of Committal will occur at Arlington Cemetery, Sandy Springs, immediately after the Funeral Mass.

Condolences may be sent to Stephen Saunders, 142 Fairview Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Archdiocese of Atlanta, 680 West Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, or to The Living Room, Inc, 341 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.

Arrangements under the direction of H.M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill in Atlanta, GA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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February 5, 2012

Sally Saunders Huguley

With the one year anniversary of Father Alan's death, we continue to remember him as the kind, compassionate man he was. Recently, I received some of his German collectibles. I love my Werner Baroque quartet and dancing mountain dulcimer duo. I think of Fr. Alan everday when I see these delightful figures. God bless his soul.

September 19, 2011

I stayed with Alan in 1988 at Gradys hospital. Later he visited me in Germany. It is a pity I now -when I am in the States for some weks- I hear that he is not longer under us. I still hve him in mind as a friend.
matthias wiskemann, germany

February 10, 2011

Special thanks to the person who posted the photos of Fr. Dillman. It would be great to have more of those to see and share with his loved ones and his loving friends. And to Rachel I know we all share your thoughts and do miss his "booming, beautiful voice." What I recall is that his voice always had that upbeat element, that reassuring confidence, and always a tone of underlying kindness.

February 2, 2011

Paulette Padua

I am the mutual friend Kelly spoke of in her entry. We knew Father in Vilseck Germany. Since that time I have spoken to him every 3-4 weeks. I last spoke to him Jan 2 or 3rd to wish him a happy New Year. My heart grieves for the loss of his friendship. I cry for myself for I know that he is in heaven at peace close to the Sacred Heart of the Lord that he loved. Until we meet again Fr D rest in peace.

February 2, 2011

Kelly McCulloch

I found out about "the Padre" today because his number was disconnected. With a heavy heart I called the archdiocese and heard the news. I have cried all morning, and fortunately have a great mutual friend who helped to share my grief. We spent the morning saying virtually all of the things that have been noted in this lovely guest book. Fr. Dillmann was the most optimistic person I have ever encountered. Nothing seemed so burdensome to him that it couldn't be worked through. I admired him so much for his caring, no nonsense attitude and I pray that I will be able to recall and emulate his unique outlook on life. He was so interested in EVERYTHING and was so aware of what is going on in the world around us. We often ended our conversations with the words "well, now that we've solved all of the world's problems for this week..." There are going to be many days ahead when I want to pick up the phone and hear his booming and beautiful voice. How very blessed I have been to have him as a wonderful, true friend.

February 1, 2011

Rob Augustine

I have thought a lot about Father Dillman over the past few weeks. It was helpful to hear the comments and to see the photos and items from his life at the funeral home. There is no doubt that he touched many lives with his kind and open heart. He was not judgmental. Looking back I would have to say that he was that rare person who accepted everyone for who they are without hestitation or question. He was that wonderful friend who shared your good and your bad times. Certainly he will always have a special place in our hearts.

January 31, 2011

Karen Salo

One more note...Alan was my mother's first cousin. He's always been an important part of all of our lives and it's hard to believe he is gone. Not too long ago I was diagnosed with serious medical condition. Having long talks with Alan brought me comfort and hope. To know that he was saying special prayers for me meant so much. I like to think he is in Heaven still praying for me. His mother, my Aunt Emily, was a wonderful lady, and I always felt a special bond with her, too.I feel sure they are together in Heaven. My mom and I miss being able to talk with him. Those long phone calls, talking about anything and everything, were so enjoyable. We miss him very much. He was truly a special man.

January 21, 2011

Nina Myers

Father Alan, our family will miss you. You were the first cousin to my father, Frederick William Myers, since your mother and his mother were sisters (Callahans). Your relationship with my father was one of being brothers. We were fortunate enough to have you give my father's eulogy during his funeral service at the Ft. Myer Chapel in Arlington, VA l986. You gave us much peace and comfort during that time of sadness. We have kept in touch throughout the years, and you have always brought laughter and a sense of peace to all of our family. Last summer (2010) our family had a family reunion at Beverly Bailey's house (my sister) at Cape Cod and we "all" were able to talk to you (young and old) for a few minutes. You made us laugh, you shared stories and most importantly you loved us and gave us a sense of faith and peace. My son, Glenn Goodhand, who lives in Atlanta was able to attend your funeral. I feel he represented all of us and I am thankful for this. I have always felt your spiritual presence when you were alive and I know I will continue to pray to you in your spirtual life in heaven when I need a little extra guidance and faith. Thank you for this gift that you have given to me and my family. I will love you always. Nina (Myers) D'Onofrio

January 18, 2011

Jennie Cooper

We knew Father Alan when we lived in Vilseck, Germany, 1998-2001. He was a regular guest in our home, baptized two of our children, and was a major influence in my conversion to Catholicism. He's kept in touch with us through the years and my husband was hoping to see him when he travels through Atlanta this weekend. He'll be missed, and this family will be praying for the repose of Father Alan's soul.

January 17, 2011

Richard Wilson

Alan took me under his wing when I moved to Georgia in 1998, and helped me get back on my feet again after a dark period in my life. He was kind enough to let me live in his Tucker home during his stay in Germany.

I was fortunate enough to visit him in Germany, and shared his enthusiasm for the country. He was tremendous tour guide. He was so fond of his model train set that had a special system on pulleys that allowed him to lift the entire model system up toward the ceiling when it was not in use. This created more living space in his tiny apartment.

And he loved his cats Marmalade and Fraulein, even enough to administer daily injections to Marmalade to extend his lifel

Gruss Gott und auf wiedersehen unser Freund!

We will always love you.

January 16, 2011

Michael Carkuff

ME AND RICHARD WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH AND NEVER FORGET THE RODAIN STATUE.

January 16, 2011

Paul Wages

I met Fr. Alan at the UGA Catholic center in 1987 when he came to speak about the AIDS Ministry in Atlanta and to give us guidance for a similar ministry at UGA. Alan returned the next year before I graduated and lost touch wehn I re-entered the work force. In 1994 a new job brought me to the Atlanta area where while searching for a Chruch home I deciede to mame my home at The Shrine of The Immaculate Exception and to my fortune Fr. Alan was Asst. Pastor. I became and alter server and began to know Alan and became friends. After Alan's retirement and his service in Germany as a chaplin he returned hoome to Tucker and we re-establishe our friendship. We would go to dinner from time to time and talk about life and I never new Alan to be anything but positive and a happy person. If I were ever down or sad Alan would always have the right words to pick me up and I would feel so thankful for my many blessing.

One of my fondest memories of Alan was he hobby of trains. I would help him with the set up of the models pickup models he had ordered and watched with anticipation as he would open the package and how he would light up when he saw his new engine or car. Alan also adored his too cats of many years. They brought enjoyment and love to his life. I am a much better person and fotunate that Fr. Alan was in my life. Alan you will sure be missed by the many lives you touched. I will miss you and your phone calls over the past couple years checking in with me

God Bless you and I will never forget the friend and positive impact you had on my life.

Paul Wages

January 16, 2011

Sally Saunders Huguley

As my mother's first cousin, Father Alan was a intricate part of every special occasion in our family's life since he came to Atlanta when I was a child over 50 years ago. He has married us, baptized our children, and comforted us in our sorrow with his warm, wise and loving presence. I can even remember laughing during the homily at mother's funeral when he said he could picture my mother "in heaven already starting to accessorize things!" His wonderful laugh followed, lifting our hearts with his.
I think it very fitting that Father Alan's funeral Mass and burial will be on the Martin Luther King holiday. One of Father Alan's parishes was near the King burial site, and like Dr. King, Father Alan was a model of and champion for social justice, years before diversity was accepted and embraced. He modeled Christ's call for us to love one another, no matter the circumstances or differences of those around us.
I will miss him at our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables but cherish the memories of his blessings and presence. And because Father Alan was a genealogy buff, I sign this with great love from my husband Mark, our children Mary Hays and Mark Jr. from his "first cousin once removed." Sally

January 15, 2011

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January 15, 2011

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January 15, 2011

I have many wonderful memories of Father Alan. He was my mother's first cousin. I recall, fondly as a youth, having him join our family for almost every Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. He brought so much laughter and joy to those occasions. He married my wife and I and baptized both of my children. I respected him greatly in later years as he administered, day after day, to those who had contracted HIV. I knew it had to weigh heavily on him as he saw too many young people he had grown close to, pass too young. He bravely continued his mission and always found a way to make others laugh and find hope and dignity. My family and I will miss him.
Brian Saunders

January 14, 2011

Father Alan and I were cousins, his Mother and my Father were siblings. He loved his time spent in the Berkshires in Mass. He was very much like his mother, handsome, intelligent and warm with a sense of humor that came from both his mother and father. He was always kind and at times, we would indulge in mischief-making, but never mean-spirited. I note, the comments about his wonderful laugh - so true, he was a joyous person as well. He was always, when he could, be present at family weddings and funerals and we loved him for it. As we both aged, we kept in contact, by telephone, and if I had a family history question, Alan was the man to go to. I loved him dearly and have wonderful memories of those times. Most of all, I know this: "Rejoice and Be Glad, Yours is the Kingdom of God". I will miss you my dear friend. Betty

January 14, 2011

Chris Bova

Father Alan was my mother's cousin. I was blessed to be in his company on a number of occasions. He celebrated mass at my parent's house in 1990, and in 1963, he said mass at our parish church, St. Michael's, in Annandale, Va. These are enduring and special memories to me.
I vividly recall his unassuming manner and breadth of issues of the day. Father Alan was a man of the people and seemingly never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He was genuinely interested in everyone's opinion and would never insult or diminish anyone's beliefs. Father Alan was an intellectual without pretense. His humor was infectious and his smile was captivating. Father Alan was a regular guy with an uncommon sense of dignity. He loved being with family, and I suspect this was also the case with complete strangers. They simply don't make too many guys like Father Alan these days. God bless Father Alan and all those whom he touched. He truly had the right stuff.

January 14, 2011

Elizabeth (Betty) Bova

Alan and I are first cousins -we were the same age and an important part of his life was spent with us, his family, in the Berkshires (Mass)He was very much his Mother's son- intelligent, thoughtful, with a great sense of humor and full of mischief, as well. I know, I was with him. I loved him dearly and he was without a doubt the most kind, caring person I ever knew.We had wonderful times and now I can say- "Rejoice and Be Glad - Yours is the Kingdom of God" of this I'm sure, Betty

January 14, 2011

Stephen Saunders

Posted by Stephen Saunders

January 14, 2011

Michael Baxter

I first met Father Dillman at the Shrine of Immaculate Conception in the late 80s, when I used to go to Mass weekly during my lunch hour. Or so I thought. Years later, while cleaning out boxes in my attic, I found my baptismal certificate from Christ the King. It was dated January 1963 and signed by Father Dillman. While I didn't get to know Father very well, I remember his great kindness and sense of humor. I enjoyed reading other recollections about him here. He will remain in my prayers.

January 13, 2011

Karen

I will always remember Alan's wonderful laugh. He was such fun to talk to. Kind, an animal lover, family oriented, intelligent, witty, educated, well read, well traveled, sympathetic and understanding. I know he's reunited with his parents and loved ones in heaven. It's hard to believe we can no longer pick up the phone and talk with him. We who were blessed enough to have him in our family, as well as all of his church family and friends are better people, for having had Alan in our lives. Who is taking care of his beloved kitty?

January 13, 2011

Rob Augustine

Al Dillman was truly a gentle giant. I spent a couple summers living with him at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Boulevard in Atlanta during 1967 and 1968. Those were very difficult times in America, and Al Dillman was doing his part to foster social justice and to minister to the poor. He was truly dedicated to people and to improving their lives no matter where they lived or who they were. Those summers were truly memorable - voter registration drives, visting homes in the neighborhood, working in Cabbage Town with Vista volunteers, helping out at Emmaus House, attending Tenants United for Fairness meetings, and so many other activities that were very meaningful to a young seminarian. Al Dillman was supportive and helpful and indeed led the way in all of this. He was a bright light of faith in action. His theology went beyond the usual, formalistic aspects and was truly all encomapssing and ecumenical. One wonderful event was the Saturday meetings he would host of forward looking Catholics where the discussion was open and the ideas were hopeful for change. It was a wonderful time -- truly Father Dillman posessed that Elan Vital we all seek. I drifted away over the years, but kept up with some of his work. I know he spent a great deal of time ministering to Aids patients at the Grady facility on Ponce de Leon. Again, he was committed to helping others. Al Dillman's life is worthy of the greatest respect and emulation. He brought his joy and cheerfulness and outgoing spirit to all. I loved Sunday mornings when we'd go downtown and pick up his favorite the New York Times. I can picture him reading it now and smiling. Thank you Al for the time and the ideas you shared with me so many years ago.

January 12, 2011

Annette Kohn-Lau

How many of us remember an actual lecture from high school? Not only do I remember Fr. Dillman as a joyful and loving presence in the classroom, but I can still see him writing on the blackboard as he taught us about Teilard de Chardin and Elan Vital , the vital life force. I believe that this lesson came alive in him and that is why that class was so memorable to me. Indeed, in my eyes, Fr. Dilmann embodied all that is universally Divine....he was Jesus who sat with all and the laughing Buddha who accepted all of life as good and worthy of a twinkle in the eye. It was he who, because of his loving, accepting, joyful and inclusive approach to Spirit and life, I converted to Catholocism and spent a very important part of my spiritual journey there. We were also blessed to have Fr. Dillman preside at our wedding.....who better to celebrate the vows that began yet another ever widening circle of love? Fr. Dillman was the face and heart and hands of Jesus, and all who knew him were blessed. Although he will be missed here, I know that he will find an abundance of joy and laughter in his new home!

January 11, 2011

Jim Mengert

Father Alan Dillman was a part of the life of the Atlanta Archdiocese from the time he arrived at Christ the King in the late 1950's--a slim (yes!) newly ordained priest. His pastoral journey took him many places--St. Pius X High School, Holy Spirit, and, perhaps most memorably, the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Then to Germany, his attachment to which was testified to by the name of his beloved cat, Fraulein. A friend and I visited Father Dillman in the hospital two days before his death: none of us anticipated it, certainly so soon. Despite his breathing difficulties he was alert, engaged, and able to laugh. This gentle man deserves to be remembered as a true pastor, not concerned to stand on his dignity or to wield the thunderbolt of doctrine, but rather to see, to listen, to minister to each and every child of God in the spirit of Christ. He left quickly, we hope peacefully, perhaps hearing the words of old Simeon when he held the baby Jesus, "Now thou mayst dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word, in peace. "

January 11, 2011

Theresa Matt

I have not seen Fr. Dillman for many years. I was a student at Christ the King Elementary School when he first came to Atlanta. He was so jovial and cared a lot about the students. He would talk with us on our level, genuinely interested in what we had to say and the questions we asked. We all looked forward to his visits to the school. And I remember with pleasure the times I saw him at Georgia State University, involved with the activities of the Newman Club. Rest in peace, Fr. Dillman.
Theresa {Sullivan) Matt, Athens, GA

January 10, 2011

matt robbins

I knew Alan many years ago and marvelled at his size, not only of stature but also of heart and service. Some mutual friends used to tell me how he continually gave of himself to their families; no surprise there. The past years saw separation but I will remember how much he gave to the people of the Archdiocese. May he rest in God's peace for one who served, in many ways

January 9, 2011

Bill Grubb

I was truly blessed the day Father Alan, my friend, entered my life.
He gave me the strength, love and support I needed in such a difficult time. He made this wounded soul whole and revived it again and for this I owe a debt of gratitude.
Bill Grubb
Atlanta, GA

January 9, 2011

Bill Grubb

I was truly blessed the day Father Alan, my friend, entered my life.
He gave me the strength, love and support I needed in such a difficult time and we continued a wonderful friendship. He made this wounded soul whole and revived it again. For this I owe a debt of gratitude.
Bill Grubb
Atlanta, GA

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