David Alan Tilton, age 69, passed away peacefully at the McClure Miller Respite House on July 22, 2025, following a heroic and decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Dave leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend of nearly 50 years, Linda Tilton; his two children who were endless sources of pride, Allison (Allie) and John (Jay); his daughter-in-law, Heather Szilagyi; and his sister-in-law, Pamela Tilton. Dave was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Clyda Tilton, and by his older brother, John Tilton.
Dave had an impactful 31-year career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which included 22 years as a supervisory fish and wildlife biologist in the Lake Champlain Basin. When Dave began work on Lake Champlain in 1993, invasive sea lamprey were devastating native fish populations. His work and leadership was pivotal in establishing a sea lamprey control program in Lake Champlain, which helped restore the lake’s fishery to its best in living memory and became a national model for fish restoration. Also of note, following the destruction of the White River National Fish Hatchery by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, Dave worked to build a new research and fish restoration mission for the hatchery, allowing it to avoid permanent closure. These efforts resulted in the first documented river-run natural reproduction of landlocked Atlantic salmon in Lake Champlain since the early 1800s. His long career was driven by a desire to preserve the natural wonders of the ecosystems of Vermont, Lake Champlain and the entire surrounding region for generations to come. Dave accomplished much due to his focus on establishing trusting and long-lasting partnerships, having compassion, and enjoying the beauty of the world around him.
Dave, born in Niagara Falls, N.Y., on July 31, 1955, had a life that took him all over the world: living in Japan as the youngest son of a U.S. Air Force chief master sergeant, living in New Hampshire to complete a bachelor’s degree in zoology at the University of New Hampshire, and living in Texas to complete a master’s degree in wildlife and fishery sciences from Texas A&M University. However, it was Westford, Vt., which he proudly called home. He and Linda purchased the family home together in 1993, and Dave spent decades slowly but surely renovating (and completing a master’s degree in environmental law and policy from Vermont Law School). Through these home and self-improvements he taught his children, who often helped and observed, ingenuity and confidence. The renovations were not always done perfectly, but they were always done with love and pride.
Dave was also deeply involved in his community. He served on the Westford Selectboard for more than six years and as its chairman in 2009 and 2012. He was a long-standing representative on the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission and founded the Westford Conservation Commission in 1996. Following retirement, he volunteered locally through Meals on Wheels and worked as a boat launch steward to continue preventing the spread of invasive species in Lake Champlain.
Those who knew Dave knew of his love and appreciation of nature. Dave always found joy in the outdoors, including tending to his “hobby farm” animals, hiking the Green Mountains, hunting and fishing, and just sitting outside and enjoying the view. All of these joys he routinely shared with his family and friends.
Whether it was through his work protecting Vermont’s ecosystems, his community service to the town and state he loved, or the cherished relationships he built with friends and family, Dave spent his life working to leave this world a better place. In his later years, he was fond of telling his friends, and especially his children, that it was their turn to “fix it.” That is a legacy we will all carry forward in his memory.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, 1 p.m., at the Westford Common Hall, 21 White Church Lane, Westford, Vt. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in memory of Dave be made to one of the following organizations that were very important to him.
The University of Vermont Medical Center Dementia Family Caregiver Center, Donations in Memory of David Tilton, University of Vermont Medical Center Foundation, 1 St. Joseph’s, 5th Floor, 1 South Prospect St., Burlington, VT 05401
Vermont Land Trust, 8 Bailey Ave., Montpelier, VT 05602
Vermont Foodbank, 33 Parker Rd., Barre, VT 05641
The Tilton family would like to thank Dr. William Pendlebury of the University of Vermont Medical Center, Memory Program; and Dr. Scott Neary and Dr. Gordon Powers of the University of Vermont Medical Center, Milton Family Medicine. These individuals showed outstanding kindness and medical care for Dave during his decade-long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. We are very grateful for the compassionate care provided to Dave and his family by the nurses and staff of Maple Ridge Memory Care Center and of McClure Miller Respite House. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.
This article appears in Seven Daysies 2025.