Thomas John Tilson

Thomas John Tilson, 65, of Coraopolis, PA passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford, PA. He was born to the late James William and Maria Gizella (Himler) Tilson on January 8, 1959, in Wyandotte, MI. He is survived by his son John Elliott (Jack) Tilson, beloved sister Marcia Norman, and one niece and nephew, Hayley and Tyler Norman. He is also survived by his ex-wife and life partner Valerie Tilson, who tirelessly took care of Tom for the last decade of his life. Tom grew up in Lincoln Park, Michigan. He was an accomplished violin player, earning a full scholarship to the prestigious Interlochen Music Camp when he was 10 years old. He played in many orchestras and became first chair in the San Diego Youth Symphony Orchestra. Tom became involved in many pursuits: motorcycle riding, surfing, karate, basketball, and more. Tom attended Patrick Henry High School in San Diego and graduated in 1977. Tom lost both of his parents by the time he was 21 and eventually decided to pursue his passion - a career in aviation. Tom worked hard during those challenging years to achieve his goal with dedication, perseverance and no outside support. Tom attended Spartan School of Aeronautics out of Tulsa, OK in 1986. After earning his Pilot Certificate at Spartan, he then began flight instructing until he was ready to fly the airlines. Tom was an official Freight Dog and from the start of his career, he flew nothing but cargo. He started out at MartinAire Aviation out of Texas, Grand Aire out of Ohio, Kitty Hawk AirCargo out of Texas and then achieved his dream job at United Parcel Service on October 16, 2000, where he retired in 2013. Tom was a great mentor of pilots and was a highly respected Training Captain, Standards Captain, and Check Airman. He helped so many pilots at Grand Aire Express (GAE) and Kitty Hawk Air Cargo (KHA) to upgrade to Captain. As a trade unionist and respected friend to many pilots, Tom was also pivotal during the Union organizing drives at Grand Aire Express and Kitty Hawk Air Cargo. During the August 1997 Teamsters Strike, Tom counseled his fellow pilots at GAE and other subcontractors to not fly UPS struck goods during the strike. On the last night of the 1997 Teamsters Strike, with no contract protecting them, 99 of 100 GAE line pilots (UPS's largest Louisville, KY subcontractor) refused to taxi over or fly into UPS to fly struck goods, helping to end the strike in support of the IBT and IPA. When Tom left GAE for KHA and then eventually moved up to UPS, he did not leave his friends behind and helped many GAE pilots get hired onto KHA and then on to UPS. So many pilots in his career pilot group continually thank Tom for where they are in their careers and will always be remembered and respected as an amazing Airman and even better Instructor. Tom married Valerie Storar in 2002. Their son Jack Tilson, 20, was the apple of Tom's eye and has steadfastly stood by his father throughout his long illness. Jack was proud to be able to complete all required Testing, Certifications and his Check Ride to earn his Pilot License while his dad was in Hospice Care. Jack showed Tom the license, he clearly saw it and smiled. Jack knew that his dad understood what he had accomplished and that's all that mattered at that moment. Friends and Family will be received Saturday, March 9th from 12:00 PM until time of Memorial Service at 2:00 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, with Father Daniel Valentine officiating. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to everyone at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford for the most compassionate and loving care given to Tom and the equally compassionate care given to his family in his eleven days stay.

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