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John Tilhou Obituary
John A. Tilhou VIRGINIA BEACH - John A. Tilhou, 54, with his family by his side in their home, found eternal peace Tuesday morning, Sept. 9, 2008. He was born Jan. 2, 1954, in Medford Lakes, N.J. Basketball scholarship in hand, John attended Western Illinois with his high school sweetheart, Monica, where he graduated with honors. He then completed his law degree at The College of William & Mary in Virginia, where he obtained a JD and LLM. While residing in Virginia Beach, John and Monica started a family and John soon earned a reputation as one of Hampton Road's most respected corporate attorneys, by representing many well known individuals throughout the region. He was a master at sorting through complex issues, then defining the truth, in a calm and compelling manner. After starting the law firm of Waldo and Tilhou, John quickly moved to Pender & Coward and further onto May's & Valentine, which later became Troutman Sanders, LLP. John was active in both community and professional associations. These included being elected, at age 41, chairman of Princess Anne Bank, president of the Virginia Beach Bar Association, Board of Cenit Bancorp, a founding board member of Towne Bank and member of its Audit Committee, and co-founder/president of the Hampton Roads Tax Forum. Other distinctions included being listed in 2008 as one of Virginia's Super Lawyers; he also found time to work with the Virginia Beach Performing Arts Commission which led to the opening of the Sandler Center Performing Arts, CBDA and Virginia Stage Company. Despite John's numerous professional accomplishments, his family remained his greatest source of pride. He always encouraged his three children, Andrew, Sarah and Emilie, to follow their hearts and creative aspirations. Being a true renaissance man, John loved the performing arts, learning about his French heritage, studying law, exploring music, traveling abroad and engaging in intellectual debates. He also enjoyed coaching his children's sports teams, watching Duke basketball, the Phillies and the Eagles, cooking and eating exotic foods. John Tilhou was a loving, kind, smart, athletic and interesting man, who will be dearly missed by all who knew him. John is survived by his wife, Monica; one son, Andrew, his wife Rebecca and granddaughter Sophie; two daughters, Sarah and Emilie; parents, George and Barbara Tilhou; sister, Leslie DiSerafino; brother, Craig Tilhou and sister-in-law Regina; and many loving nieces and nephews. A celebration of John's life will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in Spring Branch Community Church. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the American Brain Tumor Association, c/o Spring Branch Community Church, 1500 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Tilhou
Aileen Floyd
September 25, 2008
To the Tilhou Family ~
I had the fortunate experience of knowing John when I worked at Mays many years ago. I remember him to be a man of honor and class. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Sally Logan
September 14, 2008
We are so very sorry to learn of this great loss - your son, a loving father and grandfather with so many accomplishments. Our deepest sympathy
Jamie Beckstead
September 14, 2008
We were so sad to hear of the loss of Sarah's dad. We offer our condolences to the entire family, and have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Jamie and Dean Beckstead
(Jay's mom)
Melanie Stein
September 14, 2008
Tilhou Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Frank A Edgar Jr
September 12, 2008
As a young associate with Willcox & Savage in the early 1990s, I had the privilege and pleasure of playing on a rec league basketball team with John. He could not have been friendlier with me or a better teammate. I am very saddened by his death, and will miss seeing him within the legal community on the Southside. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Libby and Mike Valenti
September 11, 2008
We send our sympathy to the entire Tilhou family. Please know that our thoughts are with all of you now and in the days to come.
Dan and Becky Lear
September 11, 2008
Your entire family is in our prayers during this incredibly hard time.
Tamara Langston
September 11, 2008
Dear Tilhou family,
I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to you and yours on this sad occasion. I had the privilege of working a short time with your husband, father and friend, at Troutman Sanders. Your loved one will truly be missed and just know that God is here with you during your time of bereavement. I will be praying for you that your days are long and sunny and your nights are dark, but full of happy memories. Bless you
Tom and Deni Brown
September 11, 2008
To The Tilhou Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you be comforted by the knowledge of what a kind and gentile man John was. He touched so many lives in such profound ways. We were blessed with his friendship and will miss him.
Linwood Branch
September 10, 2008
On behalf of the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts Foundation, I would like to recognize John for his contributions. He was a founding Boardmember and Secretary of the Foundation. He will be forever remembered for his energy, enthusiasm, and leadership in advancing the arts in Virginia Beach, and he is missed by all of us. Our respects and condolences to his family and friends.
Dina Lucas
September 10, 2008
I was lucky enough to have known and worked with John. He was such a wonderful person who defined integrity. He was always very kind and concerned. I am truly blessed to have known him. Bless his family! He will be greatly missed.
Elaine Freshnock
September 10, 2008
To the Tilhou family. We are so sorry to hear of John's passing..he was a wonderful husband and dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in your sorrow. Love the Freshnocks
Amery Thurman
September 10, 2008
Like a second father to me. My childhood is full of many fond memories of you john! You will be missed greatly!
I Love You!
Judge and Mrs. Henry Coke Morgan, Jr. Morgan
September 10, 2008
Dear Tilhou family: We have so often thought about John, always seeking him out at Bar functions and concerned about his health. Our sympathy to you for losing John, our friend. Marnie & Henry Morgan
Mark Hatcher
September 10, 2008
The childhood memories flood the senses. The good old days in Medford Lakes become so clear and vivid--playing wiffle ball in the backyard on Manhasset Trail, playing baseball at Wilson field and basketball at Vaughan Community Center, swimming at Beach 1 and 3. The wonderful memories just keep coming.
I'm sorry I didn't keep up with John after high school but few people could. Apparently John moved on to bigger and better things. I know his family is proud and I am proud to say that I knew John when he was just a youngster.
Now John has moved on again--to bigger and better things. The memories and tears flood the present but one day we will all move on. And the tears will stop and there be no need for memories. We will be together again.
Tracey, Erin and I pray you know the grace, comfort and peace of the Lord our Savior.
Brian Daniels
September 10, 2008
John was a great person. I am glad that I had the pleasure of working with him. He will be missed!
Kathy McVey
September 10, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Charlie & Kathy McVey
JUNE JOSEPH GOLDMAN
September 10, 2008
DEAR MONICA, WE ARE SADDENED TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES IN THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME. JUNE AND JOSEPH GOLDMAN
Lisa Dunn
September 10, 2008
John was my boss for over 18 years and I still refer to him as my boss today. No one can ever measure up to the kind of boss John was. I always had the upmost respect for John as a lawyer and a friend. He taught me so much. John was with me through all the milestones of my life from graduating High School to the birth of my girls.
Thanks John for being such a great person. I will greatly miss not being able to talk to you. You have been such a great source of inspiration in my life. You will always be in my heart.
Elaine Tillman
September 10, 2008
What a great person! If you had the opportunity to know him, you have been blessed. He will be missed by many.
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