Robert 'Bob' Dillman, university president

Robert (Bob) John Dillman, 73, of Lewes, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. He was born June 30, 1941, in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of the late George and Emma (Drago) Dillman.

Mr. Dillman received his PhD from Clark University in Massachusetts, a master's degree from Penn State University and his undergraduate degree from New Paltz State University of New York.

He began an extensive career in education in 1963. Bob's first position was as a high school teacher in the Connetquot Long Island School District. He then moved to Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts as a geography and earth science professor, and subsequently became vice president of academic affairs and acting president there. His career would then turn to Fairmont State University in Fairmont, W.Va. where he served as president. Bob concluded his academic career at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania where he served as president for 16 years. What distinguished Bob’s career as an educator was the fact that he never lost sight of his primary motivation: providing students with the best environment and education to prepare them for life. Even when he served as university president, he continued to teach classes at the undergraduate level. He then retired from East Stroudsburg University and relocated to the Lewes area.

Even in retirement, Bob’s motivation to serve his community carried on. He was an active member of the Lehigh Valley Hospital board, PAASHE Science Center Wallops Island, and the Lewes Planning Commission.

Bob’s commitment to his profession was only exceeded by his love and dedication to his family and friends. He was a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and friend without par. His life was anchored in his strong religious faith, impeccable integrity, honesty, enthusiasm for life, and commitment to go above and beyond to help those in need. An exceptional athlete in his youth, playing basketball, baseball and soccer for New Paltz State University, he maintained a regimen of daily fitness throughout life. Simply put, Bob was a consummate gentleman who will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Bob is survived by his loving bride of over 50 years, Roseann (Morris); four children, Deirdre and her husband John Buckley of Wilmington, John Dillman and his wife Melissa of Gilbert, Ariz., Siobhan and her husband Mark Tarley of Morgantown, W.Va. and James Dillman and his wife Shannon of Lyon, France; 10 grandchildren; and one brother, James and his wife Loretta of Litchfield, Conn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 2, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes. Friends may visit Monday, Dec. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Interment will be private.

Please visit Mr. Dillman's Life Memorial webpage for Memorial Contributions and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.