Obituary of Jack Tillotson

John E. (Jack) Tillotson passed away August 3, 2021 under the care of Niagara Hospice.   Born in Lockport on September 3^rd, 1930, son of Kenneth and   Cornelia (Art) Tillotson. Surviving are his wife of 64 years (married 1957), Marcia M. (Moran) Tillotson; three children, Laurie A.(George) Helfrich, Lynn P. (Brent) Nicholson, and John E. Tillotson all of Lockport; ten grandchildren Jason, Jacquie and Jeremy White, Victoria Helfrich, Brianne, Jared, Evan and Larissa Nicholson, Jenna and Jack Tillotson, Eric Helfrich and Melissa Armentrout; great grandchildren Locklyn Brown, Londyn Brown, Maddie Armentrout, Madolyn Tracy, Bella and Carrie Helfrich, and Olivia Nicholson; sister  Gloria (late Rudolph) Hillman, several cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends. Predeceased by Sister Donna (late Robert) Spencer, daughter Lisa, and son Jeffrey.

He attended local schools and was a 1954 graduate of the University of Cincinnati. A successful business man and civic leader he co-founded Diversified Manufacturing, Inc in 1955. He served as President of that business until his semi-retirement in 1998. He was co-founder and President of Paragon Management & Design since 1995.

Mr. Tillotson served as Sect. Treas. of Custom Laser Inc. A member of St. Brendan’s R.C. Church he served as usher, Lecturer, Eucharistic Minister, President of the Parish Council, and Fund Raising Chairman for the Building Expansion.  He was a member of the Lockport Exchange Club since 1955 and served as President and Board member. He was Business Manager of the Exchange Circus since 1965. Mr. Tillotson was presented with the Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award in 1980. A member of Lockport Council #319 Knights of Columbus for over 50 years he served as Grand Knight of the Council and Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree Assembly. He was also President of the Knights Club Board of Directors for four years. He was Past President of the Lockport Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Past President of the Lockport Town and Country Club, Vice President of the Wyndham Lawn Board of Directors, Board Member of American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America and Permanent Savings Bank. Mr. Tillotson was also a past member of the Executive Investment Club, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Clinton Club, the Tuscarora Club, and the University Club of Buffalo. He also served on Catholic Charities and the United Appeal. He enjoyed golf, bowling and woodworking. 

Relatives and friends may call Thursday, August 5^th from 3-7 PM in Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, August 6^th at 10 AM in St. Brendan’s on the Lake, 3455 Ewings Rd., Newfane, NY 14108.  Interment will be in Cold Springs Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St. Brendan’s Church of Newfane, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Rd. Bethesda, Maryland, 20814, or Niagara Hospice would be appreciated by the family.  Visit pruddenandkandt.com