TILTON

Richard Craig "Rick" Tilton , 66, died Wednesday February 1, 2024. Preceded in  death by parents Clifford F. and Louise Tilton of Columbus, and brothers William Jeffrey "Jeff" and Terry Lee (Sherry) Tilton. Survived by brother Thomas L. (Cathy) Tilton of Winchester, VA, as well as a host of friends and business associates.

Before joining the City of Columbus, Rick was a news reporter at WOSU Radio, and announcer for WBBY Jazz 104, and reporter/editor/announcer/producer at WCBE 90.5 FM. His City employment included serving as Assistant Director of the Department of Public Service and Transportation as well as Assistant Director of the Department of Public Utilities. He also served as a Policy Advisor for Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman. Rick retired in 2016.

Rick graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1975, and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1979 with a BA in Communications.

Rick was a proud and devoted fan of Ohio State football, the Cincinnati Reds baseball team, as well as being an avid bicyclist, a music enthusiast, and a devoted "cat Dad" to his four feline kids: Fiona, Mocha, Ella, and Eliza.

Friends and family will gather for a memorial honoring Rick on Sunday May 26, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. at the home of Kristin and David Smith, 923 Clubview Boulevard South, Columbus, Ohio 43235 in the Worthington Hills neighborhood.

In Rick's memory, here is a recent posting from his FaceBook page:

"I am beyond fortunate in that I can say something way too few people can say: for 36 years, I worked in professions that I loved, 36 magnificent years. Twenty years in public radio —- 10 years at WCBE, 10 years at WOSU-AM/News 820 —- then 16 years working for the City of Columbus' greatest mayor ever, Michael B. Coleman. I loved what I did for 36 years.

"Now, those 36 years are in the rearview mirror of eight fine years of retirement. That three and a half decades of doing what I loved, I don't miss any of it one damned bit. Been there, done that, done and dusted. Yay for being a retired, full-time cat Dad to four fabulous baby girl cats, who will turn two in April."

Donations in Rick's memory can be made to The Cat Welfare Association, 741 Wetmore Rd. Columbus 43214 (www.catwelfareassoc.org), or Third Hand Bicycle Co-op, 979 E. Fifth Ave. Columbus, 43201, www.thirdhand.org look under the "Support" tab.

Arrangements by O'SHAUGHNESSY CO., please call 614-221-2311 with any questions.

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