Emil Julian Dawson
1939-2026
Emil Julian Dawson, 86, passed away peacefully at home on March 10, 2026, surrounded by love, after a life centered on family, hard work, and simple joys.
Born on August 3, 1939, Emil (Julian) grew up on a farm in Berkeley Springs, W.Va., as the middle boy between his two brothers, Greg and Mark. He carried those small-town roots and strong values with him throughout his life. Phyllis, his high school sweetheart, would become the love of his life and his partner for 66 wonderful years of marriage.
After graduating from high school, Emil (Julian) worked with his father as a carpenter’s assistant before accepting a position with the FBI in Washington, D.C., in 1958 as a Fingerprint Clerk. He spent nine years with the FBI before beginning his career with Washington Gas Light as a serviceman. Once settled in Maryland, he helped build the family’s White Plains home alongside his younger brother and father. He retired from Washington Gas Light in 1996 after 30 years of service.
Emil’s (Julian) greatest pride and joy was his family. Together, he and Phyllis created a strong and loving home that remained at the heart of his life. They built a life filled with simple pleasures and lasting traditions. Bowling was one of the many things they enjoyed together, and for 25 years they were part of a Friday night league. Emil’s (Julian) love of the game even led him to join a second league on Tuesday nights. Family vacations were often spent camping, creating cherished memories over the years, from a pop-up tent in the early days to traveling by RV later on.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his daughters, Karen, her husband Bob, and Linda, her husband Nelson; his grandchildren, Melissa, her husband Bryan, Nicholas, Jackson and Lincoln; and his great-grandchildren, Brayden and Dylan.
Emil (Julian) enjoyed the things that made life meaningful to him — golfing, taking spur-of-the moment drives with Phyllis, spending hours playing ping pong with Karen, doing crossword puzzles with Melissa, watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their sports games and traveling during the summers with Linda and her family in their RV. Together, they visited 45 states, and those trips, including travels into Canada, brought him great happiness and created memories our family will always treasure.
Emil (Julian) will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, and the quiet joy he found in simple pleasures, family adventures, and time well spent with those he loved most.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Details will be shared once arrangements have been made.
