John Charles ‘Chuck’ Tilton

John Charles “Chuck” Tilton, 81, Coatesville (Heritage Lake), passed away Monday morning, Feb. 10, 2020 at his residence.

He was born in Rensselaer on Oct. 28, 1938, the son of John and Sophie Sommers Tilton.

He had worked as a high school teacher and was also a coach and a mentor. He had also worked in sales and marketing around Chicago.

He was a loving father, best friend, loved to write and tell stories. He wrote articles for magazines. His other love was his 1948 Buick Roadster Convertible “Beatrix.”

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Gayla Lee Tilton; daughters Lynn Tilton of Des Plaines, Ill., Debbie Tilton of Palatine, Ill. and Lori Piccirillo and husband Jeff of Tucson, Ariz.; grandchildren Patrick Croke of Linderhurst, Ill., Ellyn Croke of Dodge City, Kan., Nathan Piccirillo of The Netherlands and Jesica Piccirillo of Carlsbad, Calif; great-granddaughter Alicia Croke of Dodge City; siblings Helen Pettet of Rensselaer, John Wayne Tilton of Blue Island, Ill. and Sue Wheeler of Rice Lake, Wis.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 28 at Curtis Creek Country Club in Rensselaer. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m.

Arrangements are being handled by Bousley Funeral Home, Coatesville.