Christopher R. Tillinghast Obituary

Christopher R. Tillinghast, 73, passed away unexpectedly on July 14, 2026. Born on November 3, 1952 in Norwalk, CT, son of the late Norman and Betty (Vishnosky) Tillinghast and grew up in Ridgefield, CT. He was a past resident of Colchester and Norwalk, CT and retired to Port Charlotte, FL.

Chris was the loving husband of Linda (Solemene) Tillinghast and recently on June 5th celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage with a trip to Margaretville in Florida. Prior to his retirement in 2018, he worked as a lab technician at the Becton Engineering and Applied Science Center at Yale University. Chris enjoyed sunsets on the beach with Linda, listening to live bands, working around his home, but especially spending time with family and friends.

Chris will always be remembered as an exceptionally patient, kindhearted and welcoming man. He had a great sense of humor, a kind smile and a great cook. He was the 'go to' person the family always went to for a common sense view of opinion and we all respected his words.

In addition to Linda, Chris is survived by sons Jonathan and Jason with partner Gina, brothers Tim and wife Jeanne, Mark, Peter and fiancé Diane, brother-in-law Joe Solemene and wife Eileen, grandson Matthew Tillinghast, as well as Sallie Franz, wife of his predeceased brother Doug. Chris was a favorite uncle to several nieces and nephews.

Chris recently attended the U.S. Army graduation at Fort Jackson of his grandson Matthew, who he adored and wore his 'PROUD ARMY GRANDPA' hat with pride.

As Chris was an avid Star Trek fan, in the words of Dr. McCoy to Kirk about Spock's death,"he's really not dead…as long as we remember him"A Celebration of this special life will be at the convenience of the family.

A memorial contribution can be made to Tunnels to Tower Foundation (t2t.org) or Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) in honor of Chris' memory.