Jerome Alden Tilton Was Painter, Outdoorsman
Jerome Alden (Jerry) Tilton of West Tisbury died on Saturday, May
18, at the age of 58.
He was born in Oak Bluffs on Dec. 18, 1943 to Herbert Tilton and
Roselina Pine, and was a life-long resident of the Vineyard. He was an
Army veteran and served during the Vietnam era.
He and his wife, Linda Rose, raised their children together over a
period of 30 years.
Jerry made most everything he did look effortless and is a legend in
his own right. Not only was he a quality painter for 38 years, he was a
commercial fisherman, avid archer and hunter. He was a master of
everything he did.
He was a father and a mentor to more than just his children. He
affected the life of everyone he met and was a worthy friend to all. His
sparkling eyes, warm smile and wisdom will be remembered and missed by
many.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his five sons, Jerry Jr.
of Vineyard Haven, Danny of Edgartown, Zeb and Zachary of West Tisbury
and Jeremy of Brockton; five daughters, Jocelin and Jayma of Santa Fe,
N.Mex., Courtney of Brockton, Ashley of Vineyard Haven and Tabitha
Emerald of Sandwich; a brother, Herbert Tilton of Edgartown; a sister,
Shirley Viera of Fairhaven; three grandchildren, Rebecca Tilton of Oak
Bluffs, Olivia Emerald of Sandwich and Sebastian Macchioni of Santa Fe,
N.Mex., and six nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at the Tashmoo Overlook off State
Road in Vineyard Haven at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 24, officiated by the
Rev. Kenneth Campbell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his
memory to an education trust fund set up for his family at the Dukes
County Savings Bank. Arrangements are by the Chapman, Cole and Gleason
Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.