THOMAS R. TILLSON
DEXTER – Thomas R. Tillson, 82, died February 10, 2005 at his home in Dexter. He was born April 6, 1922 at Dexter a son of Rufus H. and Edith (Marden) Tillson. Tom graduated from N. H. Fay High School, Dexter, in 1940, and the University of Maine, Orono, in 1944. Upon graduation he was employed as an engineer by Carrier Corporation of Syracuse, NY. In 1944 he married Imogen Abbott of Dexter in Syracuse. He returned to Dexter in 1946 to join his father in the family hardware business where he remained active until his retirement in 1993. He was associated in business with his brother Robert M. Tillson, later being joined by his son-in-law, Richard S. Pfirman and nephew Thomas S. Tillson.

During his lifetime he served on various civic boards, including the Board of Selectmen, Plummer Hospital Board of Governors and the Dexter Finance Committee. He was a lifelong member of the First Universalist Church of Dexter, serving in many capacities over the years. He was a longtime member of the Dexter Club. He was also a 50+ year member and Past Master of Penobscot Lodge #39, AF & AM, and was a member of St. John’s Royal Arch Chapter #25.

Tom was an avid jogger, and up until 3 years ago when Parkinson’s Disease overtook him, he could be found jogging along the Shore Road waving at the passing traffic.

In addition to his beloved wife of 60 years, he is survived by a daughter and husband Martha and Richard Pfirman of Dexter; sons David and wife Nancy of Westport, CT, Richard and wife Cynthia of Deerfield, MA; a brother Robert and wife Beverly of Dexter; 7 grandchildren, Karen Rider, Christine Cake, Steven Pfirman, Jordan Oliver, Alexandra Tillson, Martha Tillson, and Jonathan Tillson; 5 great-grandchildren; nephews Steven Tillson, Thomas S. Tillson, Walter Abbott and Fred Abbott; nieces Susan Graham and Nancy Bolduc.

Friends may call from 6-8 P.M. Sunday, February 13th, 2005 at the Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, 61 Main Street, Dexter. A Masonic service will be held at 8 P.M. following the calling hours. Funeral services will be held 2 P.M. Monday, February 14th, at the First Universalist Church, Church Street, Dexter.

A reception will be held in the church vestry following the funeral service. Tom requested that the committal service be held “after black fly season.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the First Universalist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 294, Dexter, ME 04930; or the Dexter Historical Society, P.O. Box 481, Dexter, ME 04930.