C. Alan Tilton, 85, of Boothbay Harbor, passed away peacefully on Oct. 21, 2026 at Safe Haven in St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor following a long illness.

Alan was born on Jan. 31, 1941, in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, to the late Elizabeth (Forbes) Tilton and Delmont C. Tilton. He grew up in the community he would call home and became a familiar face through his family, his work, and his community involvement.

He graduated with honors from Boothbay Region High School in the Class of 1959, notably as part of the very first class to graduate from the new school building. Music was central to Alan’s high school years. An enthusiastic trombone player, he participated in the band, music festivals, concert programs, and spent two years in the orchestra. Alan also spent the majority of his high school career as a Seahawk on the boys' basketball team.

Shortly after graduation, Alan joined his father at the Harold W. Bishop Agency, launching what would become a lifelong career in insurance, spanning nearly six decades. He married his high school sweetheart, Janet (Barter) Tilton, and together they raised their two sons, Glenn and Gary. Following his father’s passing, Alan took over ownership of the agency, guiding it with unwavering dedication. In 1983, Glenn joined the business, beginning a longstanding partnership that went far beyond business. For years, father and son worked side by side, quite literally desk to desk.

Working in such close quarters required a great sense of humor and fostered a rare, deep bond. From his father, Glenn learned not only the insurance trade, but the values of a strong work ethic, dedication, and personal responsibility. As Glenn often jokes, few people today could work that closely with their father and live to talk about it. In 2007, Gary also showed an interest in joining the family business, giving Alan the opportunity to work alongside both of his sons. They continued working together until health reasons led Alan to retire in 2015, at which point Glenn assumed ownership of the agency.

In honor of Janet’s passing, Alan was invited to attend her high school class reunion, where he connected with Mary (Brown). Alan and Mary were married on Valentine’s Day in 2006 and shared 20 wonderful years together.

Giving back to the community was another important part of Alan’s life. In 1964, he joined the Boothbay Harbor Fire Department, serving for more than 20 years. In 1967, he joined the Boothbay Region Lions Club. Alan served as the club’s treasurer for over 25 years, giving countless hours to its mission. In 1976, he became a charter member of the Boothbay Region Ambulance Service. In recognition of his selfless work, Alan received the Lions Clubs Life Membership Award in January 1993, as well as the Melvin Jones Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the Lions Clubs International Foundation for humanitarian service.

Outside of work and community commitments, Alan cherished life’s simple pleasures. He was an avid golfer, ice fisherman, and camper. A member of the Boothbay Region Country Club for over 50 years, the golf course was a cornerstone for his enduring friendships. Known for kicking up his heels more often than not, Alan brought warm, fun-loving energy wherever he went, balancing hard work with plenty of joy.

He will be remembered by his family and friends for his dedication, his humor, his love of life, and the many years he spent as part of the Boothbay Harbor community. He will be missed by those who knew him and loved him.

Alan was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Janet (Barter) Tilton; his parents, Delmont and Elizabeth Tilton; his son, Gary Tilton; his grandson, Matthew Tilton; and his great-grandson, Cole Tilton.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; his son Glenn Tilton and his wife Lisa of Boothbay Harbor; his sisters, Ann Sutter and Sue Hepburn, both of Boothbay Harbor; his granddaughter Elizabeth Tilton and her partner Kipp Farrin of Boothbay; his grandson Jason Tilton and his partner Caitlin Evans of Chesapeake, Virginia; his granddaughter Jamie Tilton and her partner Caleb Hodgdon of Boothbay; his great-grandsons Noaa Tilton of Boothbay, Myles and Bodie Tilton of Boothbay, and his great-granddaughter Maci Tilton of Boothbay; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

A celebration of Alan’s life will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boothbay Region Lions Club, P.O. Box 598, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.