Terry Joseph Dillon, 67, of Newport Center, Vermont, passed away on July 3, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born November 20th, 1958 in Newport, Vermont.

Terry was a hardworking and dedicated man whose work ethic and kindness touched many lives. He spent 47 years at Ethan Allen Furniture, where he worked in the sanding department and as an inspector. He also worked at Jay Peak for 21 years as a cook and beloved Santa Claus, bringing joy to countless children and families. Terry later worked for 7 years in the sporting goods department at Walmart, where he continued his role as Santa Claus, and found what he often referred to as his "true family" among his supportive coworkers.

Throughout his life, Terry was deeply committed to his community. He served on the Orleans County Sheriff Department for a number of years, and was second constable for Newport Town. He volunteered as a coach and umpire for softball, baseball, and basketball and was always willing to lend a hand at fundraisers, often helping prepare meals. His love of bringing happiness to others shined through his many years portraying Santa Claus at community and workplace events.

Halloween was Terry's favorite holiday. He enjoyed volunteering at haunted forests for schools and campgrounds, helping create lasting memories for children and families. Terry also cherished time spent camping with family and friends over the years and enjoyed many happy days at Murphy's Hunting Camp and other gatherings with those he loved.

Terry loved to have a good time and had a great sense of humor.

Terry was grateful for the many friendships he built throughout his lifetime. He especially wished to thank Roy and Rhonda Bullis, Linda and Cyril LaPlume, Gary and Adalene Lantagne, Dennis and Linda Drown, Theresa Gray and Diane Bowman and Alan Griffin for their unwavering support and friendship during his battle with cancer.

Terry leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years, Esther Dillon; his sons, Travis Dillon and his wife Lauren, Jason Blay and his wife Jennifer; and his cherished grandchildren, Kaden, Ellah, and Blake Dillon, and McKenna and Tristan Blay. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Choquette and her husband Richard, his brother, Chris Dillon and fiancee Lori Ward, sister-in-law Donna Baker, brother-in-law Roland Bergeron and wife Pauline,

brother-in-law Henry Bergeron. Along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends too numerous to mention.

He was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Madeline Dillon, and Henry and Fannie Bergeron; his brothers, Dennis Dillon and Clifford Dillon Jr.; and his beloved son, Nicholas Blay.

Terry will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, dedication to family and community, and the joy he brought to others as Santa Claus. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his kindness, volunteerism, friendship and humor.

His celebration of Life will be at the North Troy Legion on Saturday, August 29th from 1 to 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to one of the following most gracious organizations that helped us in our time of need; Orleans Essex Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, HALO Foundation, Northeast Kingdom Cancer Action Network (NEKCAN), and Catch the Cure Foundation.