Thomas E. Chilton, 91, formerly of Largo, FL, passed away peacefully at North Pinellas Care Center (Brookside) Hospice House in Palm Harbor, FL under the care of Suncoast Hospice.
Born in Dayton, OH, he moved here from Muncie, IN in 1955. He worked as a Sales Representative for Brockman Electric and GE. He also worked with his brother at Chilton Construction. He owned a bicycle shop in Palm Harbor and worked at Ace Hardware for many years in Largo. After retirement he volunteered as a crossing guard for the Pinellas County School Board. He enjoyed traveling, golfing, and serving as a “Mr. Fix It.”
Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Jeanne; two daughters: Debbie (Paul) Raveling of Odessa, FL and Karen (Tony) McLemore of Royal Palm Beach, FL; brother, Barney (Janelle) Chilton of Dunnellon, FL; sister, Pat Odle of Greeley, CO; sister-in-law, Martha Chilton of Largo; four grandchildren: Stuart and Michele McLemore, Rebecca Zoumberos, and Jason Raveling; and two great granddaughters.
A gathering of friends and family will be at 1:00 PM on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Gulf Coast Fellowship, 600 19th Street, Palm Harbor 34683. Services will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastor Joe Hancock.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33760
I grieve for all the family in the lose of your dearly beloved, father, grandfather, husband and friend! From the little time my path crossed Tom Chilton’s I understood his value TO others and OF others through his peaceful, non-judgmental display of living a life of worthy goals passed onto him family.He indeed lived his life with a servant minded-heart and a role model to his family and the world! He was quiet, humble, greatly respected and admired spirit who will be missed by all who knew him. May we all honor him this weekend as he is laid to rest with smiles on all our faces that memories of him will continue with all so close to him…..knowing he left such a positive impression and indelible mark upon the world. The world is in need of more Tom Chilton’s! May he rest in peace and watch over his loved ones as he always has done, with a quiet whisper that warms the sole! Rest in peace Tom Chilton, as you so deserve the gift of love, respect and honor which comes to those who live a life such as yours!
Tom Chilton is my uncle. I can remember spending many of summers on vacation in Florida, as we lived in Indiana, with my Uncle Tom and other family members. I always had so much fun going to the beach with everyone. One particular time, I was about 5 yrs old or so, I was in a black inner tube floating in the water when a large wave flipped me upside down. My Uncle Tom was there to “rescue” me. I will miss his sweet smile. He was always very kind and loving. You’ll be missed Uncle Tom.
Love,
Gale
To Jean and family:
I was so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I remember so many good times Francis and I had with you and Bob
& Tweety many years ago. We kind of loss touch over the years, but the memories of our fun times together always remain. Fran loved playing golf with Tom and now they will meet again up in heaven and reminisce.
I know he will truly be missed by your family. He was such a warm and friendly man with such a great personality. Blessings. Priscilla Farrell
To Jeanne and The Chilton Family: Without a doubt, my Fathers best friend upon moving to Florida was Tom Chilton. Bob & Tweetie Weir played so much golf at their new Florida home, Annbrook, later being named New Haven, with Tom, Jeanne, The Clarks, Bert Smith (Walter drank martinis), and of course Herb & Bev Shaw. I recall the great golf tournaments there, featuring Fran Farrell and so many of their friends, also including Betty Adams. Tom built a bridge across #7 fairway, we called The Tom Chilton Bridge. His wife Jeanne used to hit on top of the bridge instead of losing a ball in the ditch. Tom was no match on that golf course, often chipping and putting as low shooter. So many memories for the ages, I will miss having a scotch whiskey with my friend Tom, with much love, Bobby.
Tom worked for many years at our Ace Hardware store in Tri City Plaza in Largo Florida. Not only was he a tremendous employee, but he was a fantastic person. Knowledgeable and well liked, he was an important member of the staff. He was like family. We will always remember his warm smile and positive disposition. Also we have special memories of spending vacation time with him at the cabin in Burnsville, North Carolina. Tom’s love for his wife, Jeanne, and his family was evident. A great person whom we will never forget.
My heart is sad for Tom’s family and all of us who knew him. I was blessed to be his next door neighbor at New Haven where he lived for many years. His sweet and always cheerful hello every time I saw him is something I will miss. Tom was one of the kindest and most sincere men I have ever met, always willing to help anyone who needed him. He was a genuine, one of a kind human being, well respected and admired for how he lived his life. I am a better person for having known him and honored to call him my friend. If love alone could have kept him here with us he would have lived forever. We are all better people for having known Tom Chilton. Rest in peace Tom, you will never be forgotten!
I am deeply saddened by your loss. There are never the right words to say what should be said for comfort, only that your father lived a wonderful life with much love. I am sure as he looked upon his family everyday he did so with pride and love. Each and everyone of you are a wonderful example of his love and integrity. Find peace in knowing he is with our heavenly Father. God Bless all of you.
Tom & Jeanne Chilton….two very special people….two folks who made New Haven pleasant and welcoming. My folks, Edna & Carl Crispano moved there in 1991 and Tom was one of the very first to say “Welcome.” They lived down the end of the bldg and so whenever going out, there was Tom outside to give a big “Hello” and chat. A very comforting person, a sincere human being, a pleasure to know. My folks, along with us, shared so many wonderful stories of family, early life, how they met, on and on, but always in a way that was interesting to listen to and fun to hear. Lots of car talk between Tom & Carl. Lots of pool side chatting, shuffleboard playing. Also trips to Central Park to sit and listen to what we called “The Cowboys.” Folks who liked to play their guitars, drums, and sing western style songs. Edna & Jeanne would sit together and Tom would watch over them. You always knew Tom was subtly watching over New Haven and it’s people. He cared. Talk about caring. Boy did he ever care for Jeanne, day and night; the love of his life. Tom will be forever missed and New Haven will not be the same without this fine gentleman we were very privileged to know. Thank you Tom for everything. Now rest, dear friend, rest with the Lord. Jeanne & family members, God touch you with peace and start your wonderful memories of Tom flowing in your hearts and minds. God Bless you all.
We will miss Tom and his friendly smile and positive and humble demeanor at all the family gatherings and celebrations. He was a devoted husband and father and taught us all to not worry, be grateful for what you have and enjoy life. He touched our lives in a very positive way and we are so grateful and privileged to have known him.
All our love and prayers to the family during this difficult time. May his memory be eternal.
Stavros and Kathy
We will miss you very much, Uncle Tom – you were special and unique and memorable! To many happy memories of days with the Rinker clan!