Clare Tilyou

CLARE E. TILYOU

Of Sanborn, NY, a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024, while under the compassionate care of Wheatfield Commons. He was born in Warren, PA on September 20, 1927, a son of the late Burdette and Pearl (Walker) Tilyou.

Clare moved with his family to Lewiston in the 1930s. He worked as a grocery clerk in Colonial Village, earning 5¢ an hour, where he saved enough to attend Niagara University for pre-Engineering courses and later transferred to the University of Buffalo, where he earned a degree in Industrial Engineering.

In November 1945, Clare enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Virginia during WWII. After returning from the service In 1950, he began a 39-year career with Bell Aircraft, retiring in 1989. His work was a testament to his intelligence, skill, and passion for innovation.

Clare had a love for life and a variety of interests that kept him active and engaged. He enjoyed golf, solving crosswords, reading, and woodworking. As an excellent woodworker, he perfected his scroll sawing skills to a professional level, sharing his creations with family and friends.

Known for his sense of humor, Clare’s jokes brought smiles and laughter to everyone around him.

He was the husband of 64 years to the late Patricia C. [Figler] Tilyou, who passed away in September of 2015. Clare is survived by his four children Kyle (Bruce) Jones, Steve (Cyndi) Tilyou, Rich (Bonnie) Tilyou, and Wendy (Randy) Hastings, nine grandchildren Josh, Todd, Sarah, Angela, Cassius, John, Jessica, Paul, and Katie, four great-grandchildren: Valerie and Matthew Liptak, Adam Tilyou and Flynne Schaffer, also survived by sister-in-law Paula [Figler] Bedard many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Ray (Joan) and Glenn Tilyou and uncle of the late Amy Tilyou.

His family will be present on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 12-1:30 PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 5893 Hoover Road, SANBORN, NY, followed by funeral services at 1:30 PM.

Inurnment with Military Honors in Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made in his name to Niagara Hospice.

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