Robert W. Tilley, 88, Davidsville, died December 20, 2018, at his home. He was born February 6, 1930, in Johnstown, son of the late J. Walter Tilley and Elsie L. (Shoemaker) Tilley. He was predeceased by loving wife of 35 years, Lois A. (Alwine) Tilley, and sister Thelma Depp. Survived by children, Ryan R. Tilley and wife Wendy; Pamela K. Sarbacker; and Jeffrey S. Tilley. Also survived by grandchildren Christopher M. and Stephanie K. Gallo, and his feline companion, Poppy. Bob was a graduate of Dale High School, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music from IUP, where he also received a Master Degree in Education. During the Korean War Bob served in the United States Marine Corps, playing in the Marine Corps Band and in various USO shows. Bob was a musician all of his life and played gigs since he was in his teens. Bob played with the Johnstown Jazz Workshop, and any time there was a show in town, Bob could be found playing with the band. He truly was “the man with the sax”. Bob devoted his career to teaching music, at Cairnbrook Elementary School and then at Shade-Central City, for a total of 38 years. His students fondly remembered him as “Mr. Tilley”. Bob also taught students at Weiser Music, and served as the choir director at the 1st Christian Church. He was a member of Alma Lodge #523 I.O.O.F., and Encampment, and a member of the Johnstown Retired Men’s Club. Bob was a conversationalist, and always had a story to tell, as anyone at the Johnstown Senior Center could vouch for in his later years. Friends will be received Saturday, December 29, from 11:00 AM until the time of services at noon, at Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary, 921 Menoher Blvd. Interment Forest Lawn.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Robert W. Tilley, please visit our floral store.