Raymond Charles Tilden Sr.

Raymond Charles Tilden, Sr., passed away unexpectedly on July 21, 2025, at the age of 83. Ray was born on February 27, 1942, in Manchester, CT, to Robert and Vivian (Stone) Tilden.
Ray’s family takes comfort knowing he is reunited with his wife Jane. Jane was the love of his life and in the years since her passing, not a day went by that Ray didn’t miss her.

He is survived by his devoted son, Raymond Tilden Jr. and his wife Christine; his loving daughters, Lisa Tilden Pollock and her husband George, and Jane Tilden Germond and her husband Paul. Ray found immense joy in his role as “Pop Pop” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. From the Tilden family, he is survived by his grandson Raymond Tilden III and his wife Carolyn Coyle, and granddaughter Jenna Tilden, along with great-grandson William Tilden. From the Pollock family, he is remembered by his granddaughter Sara Pollock Yip and her husband Michael, and grandson Zachary Pollock, along with his great-grandchildren George and Astrid Yip. From the Germond family, he leaves behind his granddaughters Kathryn, Megan, and Jessica Germond.

He will also be dearly missed by his sister-in-law, Mary Meacham Marcial and her husband David; his brother-in-law, James Meacham and his wife Judi; his sisters, Elizabeth Edgecomb and her husband Terence and Barbara Gross; as well as his nephew Michael Johnson and his wife Nicole, and Joan and Ken Ackerman.

Ray was predeceased by his in-laws, James and Kathryn Meacham, who opened their hearts and home to him and loved him as their own son. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Robert Tilden, and his sisters, Lorraine Phaneuf and Beverly Lestage.

Ray's dedication to his career as a Service Manager and Mechanic at Tires International was evident by his hard work, reliability, and expertise earning him the respect and admiration of his co-workers and customers alike. Ray was not only a master of his trade but also a mentor to many, sharing his knowledge and passion for mechanics with the next generation. He will be sorely missed by the many friends he made during his years of service.

Ray enjoyed fishing, playing horseshoes, classic cars, his large collection of videos and DVDs, and dancing—the latter being how he met his beloved wife Jane, all those wonderful years ago. He was a patient man with a deep love for his cats, Max and Abby, and an unwavering loyalty to the UCONN Husky Women’s basketball teams, often rewatching their games well into his final days. Ray found happiness in the simple things — tending to his yard, watching the bunnies pass through, and above all, treasuring the time spent with those he loved most. The memories of Ray cooking “Baptist cakes” and “Poppy pancakes” on Sunday mornings for his grandchildren and kids will never be forgotten.

His passing marks the end of an era but also the beginning of a legacy that will be honored and cherished by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Ray lived a life full of purpose and love, and his memory will forever be etched into the hearts of his family and friends.
In keeping with Ray’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. The family would love to see friends and loved ones on Friday, August 8th, as we gather to honor his memory with a graveside service at East Cemetery, 220 E. Center Street, Manchester, CT, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor his memory are welcome to make a donation to the Connecticut Humane Society or the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition—two causes that held special meaning for him.