David Mr. Tillotson, Jr.

Mr. David Tillotson, Jr., passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2008, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Born in Nashua, New Hampshire on October 9, 1928, he graduated from Nashua High School in 1946 as the Salutatorian, and subsequently from Dartmouth College in 1950.

He started work for the Central Intelligence Agency, and subsequently joined the Air Force, serving honorably for 14 years, including combat tours in Korea and Vietnam.

Following the Air Force, Mr. Tillotson joined the Internal Revenue Service until his retirement. He moved to San Antonio, Texas in 1974, and remained a resident of that city until his death.

He is survived by Delight, his wife of over 50 years, his sister Tamara and husband George, and four children: his son David and wife Wanda, his son Mark and wife Susie, his daughter Laura and husband Tony, his daughter Wendy and husband Dan. He also had eight grandchildren, Tamar and husband Jon, Kitt, Jason, Nashua, Campbell, Gage, Dan and David.

My mother asked me to write this obituary, and if I left the summary at that point, it would reflect a worthy life. I think, however, a bit more is indicated. As a result of following my father in his Air Force assignments, we saw much of the United States and Asia, and our lives were broadened as we were exposed to a wide range of people and cultures.

Following my father's military career, a remarkable thing happened. He continued working hard, but made room for the rest of us to flourish. All of us pursued new careers and endeavors. He was quietly supportive, celebrated the successes and forgave the failures. If someone faltered, he allowed them to recover. No one ever lost standing in his eyes.

As a result, his most remarkable achievement was his support of his family and our career ambitions as: Associate Dean of the University of Texas School of Nursing, a federal employee and an elementary school teacher, a doctor and a loving wife and mother, a graphic designer and a Marine combat veteran with three Purple Hearts, a registered nurse and an automotive engineer, a chief assistant district attorney and a private practice attorney, a beautician, a budding mathematician and five others whose course remain to be charted.

Throughout it all, he asked nothing for himself and taught us all lessons about what it means to truly support one's family.

Thanks it really was a remarkable run. We are all the better for having had you in our lives.

A service is tentatively scheduled for the fall and will be private at the graveside. Ashes will be scattered at the Tillotson Gravesite at Woodlawn Cemetery, 101 Kingsley Street, Nashua, New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Alzheimer's Association, STAR Chapter, 7400 Louis Pasteur Dr., Ste. 200, San Antonio, Texas 78229-4542 or a charity of your choice.