Daniel Joseph Tilton, 85, of Milford formerly of Franklin died peacefully on September 15. He was the husband of the late Maureen J. (Kelter) Tilton who died in 2018.
Born in Cambridge, May 8, 1938, Danny was raised in Norwood and had lived in Franklin for many years before moving to Milford 4 years ago.
A Master Plumber, Danny had worked for General Plumbing of Millis for many years before founding Tilton Plumbing of Franklin.
Danny served in the Marine Corps during the late 1950’s, attaining the rank of Private First Class. He spent time in the Mediterranean during his service, visiting Beirut Lebanon.
Danny enjoyed his work and following the Patriots and Bruins and his Boston Celtics. He loved more than anything his family and their annual summer vacations to Lake Winnipesaukee that were treasured by his boys.
He was affectionately called “Otis” by friends and family, and he was well known for his cat-like reflexes. He loved to socialize and would captivate a crowd with stories of his upbringing on Hill St in Norwood, and his exploits while in the Marine Corps. His five boys, who he referred to as his starting 5, were his pride and joy. He adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren and “Grampy Otis” always looked forward to their visits.
Suffering a stroke many years ago didn’t slow Danny down. He took a cross country trip with his son Timothy. He visited Alaska with his son Chris and his family, and took a cruise to the Caribbean to celebrate a family wedding.
He lived in Florida for more than 10 years but felt the pull of home and returned, where he attended nearly every family birthday party, BBQ, and holiday celebration, often arriving very early to not miss any of the fun. With his loving wife always at his side he never let his disability keep him from trips and adventures, motivated by his love of family and friends.
He is survived by his children Danny and his wife Janet of Mansfield, Paul and his wife Helen of Franklin, Jimmy and his wife Jean of Millville, and Chris and his wife Tip of Oakley, California. He was the father of the late Timothy Tilton and is survived by his daughter- in – law Lori Tilton of Blackstone.
Danny is also survived by his grandchildren Christopher, Brittany, Jessica, Ashley, Casey, Luci, Sophia, Christopher Danger, and Olivia Rose, as well as his great -grandchildren Landon, Cayden, Hunter, Kaia, Ryleigh, and Alaina.
His calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 20 in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin from 4-7 p.m., with a service to be held at the conclusion of the calling hours.
Burial will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne on Tuesday, September 26 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston 02215.