Richard A. Tilghman

1929 - 2024

Richard A. Tilghman
March 8, 1929 - April 19, 2024
Richard A. Tilghman, 95, passed away peacefully in Hobe Sound, FL, on Friday, April 19, 2024. He was born March 8, 1929, in Morristown, NJ, the fourth son, followed by two younger sisters of George Hammond and Ruth Slocum Tilghman. "Rich", as he was known to friends and family, developed a deep and enduring family bond with each sibling, along with the skills needed to navigate the pecking order of the family. His father was the headmaster of the Morristown School for Boys. Growing up in this large family and school environment, he learned to be competitive, determined, and fiercely proud of his family. Rich was sent to St. Mark's School in Southborough, MA, at the age of 13 because his father, having served in WWI, re-enlisted in WWII in the Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander, only to tragically lose his life on Tarawa Island. This event impacted Rich deeply, and after he graduated from Yale University in 1951, he enlisted and became a Second Lieutenant in the US Army Tank Corp in the Korean conflict. He was a proud patriot who loved his country! At age 17, he met the love of his life, Joan McAlpin Shiland, 15, whom he married four years later. They were a devoted couple who truly complemented one another. Rich and Joanie raised their four children in Fairfield, CT, while he commuted to work in New York City. He held positions at various US corporations; the majority of his time was spent on Wall Street as a broker for Pershing and Company and later as Head of Investor Relations for National Distillers and Chemical Corp. Once retired, Rich and Joanie settled in Hobe Sound, FL, where they enjoyed a wonderful life connected to the community. Rich invested his time and resources in the Jupiter Island Medical Clinic, where he was the Board President. He also supported the colleges and educational institutions that nurtured his family. He liked to say, "Life might deal you hard times and take things away from you, but you can never lose your education. Don't squander it." Rich developed a lifelong passion for the game of golf while attending Yale. He played with integrity and respected the self-policing aspects of the game. His skill and dedication earned him eight club championships at the Country Club of Fairfield. He was a longtime member of the United States Seniors' Golf Association where he had the honor of playing on their International Team. His love for the game and education merged through his philanthropic support of many caddie funds. In addition to his wife of 74 years, Joan Shiland Tilghman, he is survived by his children (and their spouses): R. Austin (Sara) Tilghman, Robin (Byam) Stevens, Linda (Peter) Murphy, Stuart (Polly) Tilghman; grandchildren: Michael Tilghman, Sarah Tilghman, Sam Stevens, Claire Murphy, Grace Murphy, Alexa Bartlett and Lee Tilghman; four great-grandchildren, and his sisters, San Lyman and Sally Wardwell, along with multiple nieces and nephews. As a father figure and role model, he will be missed, not only by his extended family, but by friends of all ages. A celebration of life will be planned for the fall 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family asks friends to consider donating to the Treasure Coast Hospice www.treasurehealth.org or to write a check to the Jupiter Island Medical Clinic's Endowment Fund. Address: Jupiter Island Medical Clinic, 100 Estrada Square, Hobe Sound, FL 33455. All donations are tax deductible. If any questions, please contact Rhonda Olson at 772-546-4778, jimc.bookkeeper@gmail.com .