Charles (Chuck) Tilton, 75, of Palm Harbor, Florida, formerly of Needham, Massachusetts, passed away on May 30th in Tampa, Florida. After fighting bravely for four weeks in the ICU unit of St Joseph’s Hospital, he succumbed to complications from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on May 2nd.
He is survived by his daughter, Laura Tilton and grandson Declan Kemmerer of Saratoga Springs, New York; his sister, Barbara Grealish of Middleboro, Massachusetts; his step-sister Linda (Bob) Kosobuki of Venice, Florida; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila (O’Neill) Tilton; his son Adam Tilton; and his brother Richard Tilton.
Chuck grew up in Lowell, Massachusetts, where he graduated from Keith Academy High School. He took on an almost comical number of jobs as he worked his way through his degree over ten years, including mailman, factory worker, cranberry juice tester, retail clerk and IT worker. Proving he was a man ahead of his time, he opened a short lived but forward thinking computer store in 1978 in Harvard Square. Ultimately he enjoyed a long and successful career as a computer programmer and contractor, meeting many friends along the way.
He proudly raised his family in Needham, Massachusetts, and moved to Middleboro, Massachusetts, to retire. After the death of his son and wife of 40 years in 2009, he established a new life for himself in the Tampa area of Florida, making many new friends, and demonstrating great resilience and ability to find joy while living on his own terms.
Chuck will be remembered for many things, including but not limited to: his quick wit, his unbridled enthusiasm for his beloved Patriots, his off-color jokes, his back pillows, his lifelong war against the random-number-generator at the core of various state lottery systems, his passion for ideas and favorite authors, his love of the dog track, his excessive tipping, his quirky sense of humor, and his spirited (and totally wrong) rantings on politics (sorry Dad, the writer of this obituary gets the last word on that count). But most of all, he will be remembered for his big heart, and extreme generosity. Whether it was total strangers or those he was closest to, Chuck was happiest when he was helping other people, in both small and in big ways, and never asked for anything in return. He will be greatly missed.
We loved Chuck. He will be missed…his back pillows included. My love and thoughts go with him.
I couldn’t have said it any better! Chuck will be greatly missed for all the reasons and then some.
Perfect remembrance. Thinking of you Laura
Thinking of you, Declan and the family at this time, Laura. I’m so sorry for your loss. Xx
So sad to hear this news about Chuck’s passing. I have spent many hours talking and freezing at hockey games and enjoyed many times at soccer games and practices.
Have not seen Chuck in several years but will alway remember him and Tilton family with fondness. Chuck was a terrific friend who loved his family
With sadness,
Ed Gallin
Brave girl, I’m so sorry for your loss.
My memories of Chuck were all around McDonald’s, no bun meals. And his great humor and obvious adoration of his family.
Sending you love.
Libby
Cousin Laura, our sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad, my Uncle Chuck. I am still reeling over the fact that he is no longer with us physically but he will always be with us spiritually. I have very fond memories growing up with him, Aunt Sheila, Cousin Adam and yourself. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Declan during these trying times. With much love, Cousin Eileen, Raylord, Brendan & Lauren Asing
Oh Laura,
I am so sad about your father’s passing.
Such fond memories of a truly wonderful
Man. I can see and hear his laughter now!
Praying for strength for you !!
Much love,
Gerry Gallin
My deepest condolences Laura and your family. Love to you, Christa
We are so sorry for your loss Laura. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Chuck will be missed for many different reasons. Your obituary/tribute is beautiful and paints an accurate picture of who Chuck was. I have many, many years of memories of your entire family that I can reflect fondly upon. You are in our thoughts Laura. Love you
Laura what a beautiful tribute to your Dad. After reading it it reminded us of all the lottery tickets he would bye. We also remember how he would always get lost coming to the house you first rented in Saratoga Springs. It’s wonderful to see all the pictures too. Love and hugs to you and Declan.
Dear Laura, Your Dad was such a great guy, I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace, Chuckie! ♥️
Laura, Lisa and I are so sorry for your loss of your dad. Your remembrance was perfect. It brought back fond memories of silly conversations, debates over politics, back pillows and the love and joy of family time together. We are thinking of you at this difficult time. See you Thursday. Love, Kevin, Lisa and Aidan