Richard A. Tilghman ’43

Dick Tilghman died Feb. 23, 2017, in Bryn Mawr, Pa.

Dick attended St. Paul’s School in Concord, N.H., where he participated in football, hockey, and baseball.

At Princeton his major was politics. Dick was on the rugby and soccer teams and the board of The Daily Princetonian. He was a member of Triangle Club and the Right Wing Club. Dick was also a member of Ivy Club.

During World War II Dick served as a captain in the Marines and earned a Silver Star for his action during the battle of Iwo Jima.

Dick’s civilian career included time with Smith, Barney & Co., General Coal Co., and Contour Manufacturing Co. In 1967 he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and in 1969 began a 32-year career as a state senator. During this time he was a strong advocate for veterans organizations and was instrumental in improving conditions for veterans at the Southeastern Veterans Center. Dick was honored for his work for veterans while ensuring fiscal prudence. He also did a lot for community services and for women’s health issues.

His survivors include his wife of 73 years, Diana Disston; sons Richard Jr., Edward ’70, and John; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.