ARUNDEL — Henry James Tilton Jr. passed away at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough on Saturday, July 19, 2014, after a period of declining health, at the age of 98.

Born May 9, 1916 in Fall River, Massachu-setts, to Henry J. and Elsie (Shaw) Tilton, he grew up in the Boston and Dedham, Massachu-setts area, attending Boston Latin School and was a graduate of Dedham High School in 1934, later attending Rutgers University and graduating in 1939. While at Rutgers, Mr. Tilton was a letter winner in varsity baseball for two years and in freshman football.

Shortly after graduation, Henry was employed by Campbell Soup Co. in sales.

In 1940, he married Mae Paulsen with whom he raised two sons, Philip born in 1941, and Peter in 1946.

Mr. Tilton joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1943, becoming an ensign in command of one of a fleet of 83-foot cutters that participated with the sea forces in the June 6, 1944 landings at Normandy.

Upon returning to civilian life in 1946, Henry continued in sales with Campbell living in Westwood, Massachusetts, Warwick, Rhode Island, and Manchester by the Sea, Massachusetts, before moving the family to Falmouth in 1960, when he opened a food brokerage business, known as Parker-Tilton, Inc., with William Parker.

After retiring in 1981 and living in Arundel, Mr. Tilton became active in town affairs; and over a span of more than 25 years, he served on several committees and did much volunteer work. The Arundel Town Report of 1996 was dedicated to him because of his efforts as a volunteer.

Mr. Tilton had a passion for boats and sailing. He also liked to work with wood and enjoyed most sports. He stayed close to his family and their activities.

Henry was preceded in death by: his parents; his wife, Mae, in 2002; his son, Philip, in 2004; and his brother, Philip, in 2012.

Henry is survived by: his son, Peter Tilton of Freeport; grandsons, Shaw Tilton of Lowell, Massachusetts, Nathaniel Tilton of Sudbury, Massachusetts and Joseph Tilton of Marblehead, Massachusetts; great-grandson, Caden Tilton of Sudbury, Massachusetts; daughter-in-law, Dawne Tilton of Kennebunk; nephews, Paul Tilton of Plymouth, Massachusetts and Philip Tilton of Weymouth, Massachusetts; and step-grandchildren, Bethany Upton of Chicago, Illinois and Aaron Upton of Arundel.

Henry’s son, Peter, wishes to express his heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough for the wonderful care they provided Mr. Tilton.

Friends and family are invited to a graveside service with military honors 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Hope Cemetery, U.S. Route 1, Kennebunk. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, Kennebunk. www.bibberfuneral.com.