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Nelson Dillman Obituary

Nelson A. Dillman, 70, of Sinking Spring, transitioned to the next great adventure, Tuesday, September 17th, at St. Francis Home, Shillington in the company of his loving family. 
Nelson was born in Darby, Pennsylvania on April 27, 1954, a son of the late Elizabeth J. (Gould) and Albert N. Dillman. He was the beloved partner of June Witmer, of New Holland for over 20 years.
He was a graduate of Reading High School and graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelor's degree in Education. Following graduation, he returned to the Reading School District to teach at Glenside Elementary, where he met his former wife and loving friend, Diane Spignesi-Dillman, of Sinking Spring. Together, they raised two daughters, and continued to support and care for one another for almost 40 years. 
Nelson was most recently employed by East Penn Manufacturing, and worked in Production for close to two decades. Prior to working for East Penn, he was employed by Sensient Colors (formerly Crompton & Knowles) after leaving the Reading School District. Never one for convention, his career path was varied, and he often remembered fondly the years he spent as a lifeguard and swim instructor as well as the summers spent as a camp counselor at Eagle Springs Programs working with campers with intellectual and physical disabilities. He was also a proud member of IATSE Local 97 Stagehands Union prior to his passing, and loved working at the Santander Arena and Performing Arts Center.
As a former Boy Scout, he was a large supporter of all Scouting programs and a member of the Patriot Days Youth Encampment committee at Daniel Boone Homestead for 50 years. He loved adventure and spent his younger years camping, hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, swimming and scuba diving, running marathons and skydiving. When he was not seeking adventure in his own life he was reading or watching films/shows about it. As a fan of all things Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Supernatural, he maintained his own personal library of books, movies, tv-shows and memorabilia. He also loved being a part of theatrical productions in any capacity. This ranged from helping with set designs, being a part of the cast, working backstage and being a member of the audience. He supported the arts in many forms throughout his life. 
He was a caring and devoted father, family member, friend and partner who enjoyed sharing his knowledge of life, the universe and everything with anyone who would listen. He believed in supporting the people, his community and the things that mattered the most to him. His loyalty to those he cared about and his unique sense of humor will be remembered for many years to come as it is rare to come across such a magical human being. He has been, and always shall be, our friend.  
Nelson is survived by his two daughters, Samantha A. Dillman, of Reading; Danielle L. Dillman, of Reading, whom he loved dearly; as well as two sisters, Shirley Pisano, of Shillington; Ellen Dillman, of Muhlenberg; two brothers, Tom Dillman, of Leesport and Ross Dillman, of Manheim. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Abel and Alejandro Loera-Castro.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 19, at the Neag Planetarium of the Reading Public Museum, 500 Museum Road, Reading, PA 19611 from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. Somber attire is not required. Guests are encouraged to wear any appropriate clothing, or costumes, that represent any of Nelson’s favorite things. Sci-Fi/Fantasy, camping/scouting, musicals/theatrical shows, and IATSE/stagehand attire are just a few examples. 
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Francis Home, 144 Hillside Dr., Shillington, PA 19607. The family is forever grateful for their love and care for Nelson when it was needed most.
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160. Obituary and condolences at www.johnpfeeney.com.

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