William Roger Tilghman, Jr.

William Roger Tilghman, Jr.

            William Roger Tilghman, Jr. passed away peacefully at 92 years of age on September 27, 2021. Bill was born March 22, 1929, in Philadelphia, PA to William Roger Tilghman and Dorothy Mae Tilghman.  He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Florence Jane Salkind; youngest son, Thomas Baldwin Tilghman; and grandson, Sean Tilghman.

           Bill graduated from Germantown High School in 1947.  He served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1955, participating in the invasion of Inchon during the Korean War in 1950.  He married Jean Ellis on August 16, 1952 in Bel Air, MD.  Following his Naval service he worked for Franklin X-Ray Service and Siemens Corporation as a repair technician and eventually as a service supervisor.  Upon retirement, he fulfilled his dream of moving to Florida.  Bill and Jean lived 20 active and glorious years in Ocala before moving back to PA to be closer to family.  Altogether, they celebrated their love and marriage for 69 wonderful years. 

           Bill had a LOVE for life!  He attacked everything he did with exuberance.  He had a terrific sense of humor with a touch of grumpiness.  Anyone who knew him would say he was the happiest grumpy man they ever knew.  He had a true gift for telling stories especially about his life in the Navy among other amusing anecdotes.  His love of God, country, family, the Navy, and the American flag were paramount.  He had great enthusiasm for motorcycles, writing, golf, flying remote airplanes and the Philadelphia Eagles.  But, of course, his greatest love was for Jean.

           He is survived by his wife, Jean Ellis Tilghman; sons Michael Roger Tilghman (Lecia), Douglas James Tilghman (Terri), and Robert William Tilghman (Joanne); grandchildren Tara Jean Tilghman, Carlie Nicole Saunders, Paul Michael Tilghman, Elizabeth Fornash, Sarah Beth Neary, Eric Robert Tilghman, Chelsea Thomas Perry and step granddaughter, Megan Martin; great grandchildren, Audrey Carmen Tilghman, Henry John Tilghman, Cru William Tilghman, Hayes Joseph Tilghman, Jack Nolan Saunders, Thomas Neary and Lilly Neary, James Perry and Adam Perry.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on October 8, 2021 from 10:30am am to 11:30am at the John J. Bryers Funeral Home, 406 Easton Road, Willow Grove PA 19090.  Funeral Service to follow at 11:30am

Interment will be held on Friday October 8, 2021, promptly at 1:45pm at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd, Newtown, PA 18940.

In lieu of flowers donations to Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated. Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516

Arrangements by John J. Bryers Funeral Home, www.bryersfh.com

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