Waterville

Charles Emery Tilton, 86 passed away Monday October 15, 2018 at Copley Hospital in Morrisville, VT with his loving family by his side. He was born on March 30, 1932 in Waterville VT son of the late Howard and Marjorie (Eldred) Tilton.

Charles believed in preserving the family legacy of hard work, determination, and conservation.
He was proud of his military service during the Korean War. He was a member of American Legion Post 46, Johnson VT. He was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Green Mountain Aerie #3210 Jeffersonville. He provided for his family by using the land for gardens, trees for wood / cedar & spruce oil / shingles, by his expertise as a heavy equipment operator. He learned his trade by working for G.W. Tatro Construction, H.A. Manosh, Pike Industries, Engelberth Construction, and Pizzagalli Construction and several others until his retirement. He was known to share his opinion about how things used to be done and how they’re done today. He was always telling parents of little children to let them be kids while visiting him, no rules at his home and the candy jar was always filled on the counter. He admired the talents of those who could write or play music; build things themselves, could live off the land. It didn’t matter to him if they were native Vermonter, or new to Vermont. He held Waterville close to his heart and was quick to remind anyone of the area’s history. Family reunions and family holiday meals were his favorite events so he could talk to one and all, and see the newest members of the ever expanding Tilton family.

He is survived by his son Orin Tilton and wife Deb; his son Jay Tilton and wife Lisa, his daughter Kitty Tilton and fiancé Randy Benson, Sr., his son Ron Tilton and friend Mary Cassidy; his brother Amos Tilton and wife Evelyn of Waterville, his sister Juanita Cutting and husband Dayton of Jeffersonville, his brother Lloyd “Pete” Tilton and wife Sandy of South Carolina; his grand children: Michelle Frennier and husband Scott, Michael Tilton and wife Elizabeth Collman, Jason Tilton and fiancé Billy-Jo Taylor, Chris Tilton and friend Jessica Hathaway, Joshua Tilton and fiancé Amanda Jette, Jennifer Tilton and friend Mathew Moore, Jared Anderson and friend Tammy Salls, Chelsea Anderson, Amelia Tilton and friend Darren Silcock, Lyle Tilton and wife Shannon, Lydia Tilton and friend Jacob Fontaine, Ellabea Tilton, Nathanial “Nate” Tilton, Sadie Jane Tilton; 12 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends Dave Thompson, and his cat Pepper.

He was also predeceased by his wife Ellen Tilton, his son Scott Tilton, and his sister Theresa Tilton.

An overwhelming thank you to his sister Juanita Cutting and husband Dayton for their loving care and hospitality after Charles’ home fire in March 2018; to Home Health & Hospice of Lamoille County; to his compassionate care team at Copley Hospital, Morrisville VT.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday October 23, 2018 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Waterville Union Church of Waterville. Service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday October 24, 2018 at the Waterville Union Church of Waterville with Chaplain Alden Lunar and Pastor Devon Thomas officiating. Inurnment will be held later at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Charles’s memory may be made to the: Waterville Cemetery Association, c/o Donna Barry, 1950 VT RT 109 Waterville, VT 05492. Waterville Union Church c/o Treasurer, 37 Church Street, Waterville VT 05492.
The family invites you to share your memories and online condolence by visiting www.awrfh.com.