Robert F. Tilley, Jr.

Robert F. Tilley, Jr. of East Brunswick, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick after an extended illness. He was 76 years old. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bob lived in East Brunswick and Surfside Beach, South Carolina.

Bob served proudly in the United States Army as an Early Warning Defense Systems specialist (radar and IFF) and was stationed in Alaska during the Vietnam era. He worked at New Jersey Bell Telephone and AT&T before beginning his second career as an Assistant Golf Professional, mostly at Tamarack Golf Course in East Brunswick. Bob loved all aspects of the game of golf and could practice for hours. He also was a fan of the University of South Carolina’s Gamecocks.

Bob was known as a very kind and gentle man. He was so happy to spend this last Christmas and his recent birthday at the beach with Margaret. Bob was also a member of the Turtle Creek Quilters Guild and a member of the Turtle Creek Peacemakers Quilts of Valor group. Bob cherished the Quilt of Valor that Margaret made for him right under his nose. 

Bob is predeceased by his parents, Robert F. Tilley, Sr. and Helen (Little) Tilley Horton and his brother Aaron Tilley.

Bob is survived by his life partner, Margaret Pemberton of East Brunswick, his sister-in-law Rosser Tilley and nephew Christopher Tilley, both of North Carolina and numerous friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 3rd, from 4 pm to 7 pm at The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 North Main Street at Riva Avenue, Milltown. A funeral service will be held during the visitation at 6:30 pm. Bob will be buried with his parents at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte, North Carolina at a later date.

Margaret would like to express her sincere thanks and appreciation to all the healthcare professionals who helped take care of Bob, especially the staff of the New Jersey Veterans’ Administration (in Piscataway, East Orange and Lyons Campuses) and the staff of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to Feeding Middlesex County at feedingmiddlesexcounty.org/donate or by mail to PO Box 781, Edison, NJ 08818. You may sign the online condolence “guestbook” at www.crabiel.com.