Richard “Dick” Tillo passed away on June 26, 2020 at Elkhorn Health and Rehab LLC after a short cancer diagnosis in Clancy, MT. He was 93 years of age at the time of his death. Dick was born one of six children in Helena, MT on October 19, 1926 and grew up in the 6th Ward. He joined the Navy at the age of 17 where he served as a Deck Gunner on the USS Idaho (aka the Spud), Battleship and was deployed to the South Pacific. He was also on the 3rd ship to arrive in when the Japanese surrendered in WWII. Dick received numerous metals and accommodations for his military service. Upon discharge he returned to the Helena area where he met and married the love of his life, Jeanne Boucher-Tillo, on June 6, 1947. They were married for 71 years. Dick was very entrepreneurial during his career as he opened several service stations in the Helena area, and later the Helena Wheel Alignment Brake and Tire where he retired in 1991.
Dick had a kind, loving, generous spirit and appreciated everything he had in this life. He loved to joke, laugh and had a great rapport with his many customers over the years. He and his wife, Jeanne, did not have any children of their own, but they did foster a couple of children, and were the “parents” to many, many dogs and cats over the years.
Dick is preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne; his parents, Julius & Marie; brothers Joe, Frank and his twin brother, George; and sisters Mary Lou and Rosemary.
Dick would be honored if you remembered him by being kind to animals and to be grateful for everything you have been blessed with.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Viçki Ragsdale Jones says
I’m sorry to hear Dick has passed. He was always so kind to me. He went out of his way to make people feel welcome. He was a good man!
Bob Dannic says
Bob Dannic
Richard road on my bus to go to Rocky about once a month. He was always very appreciative and complimented my driving skills. A true Helena native and original. I am happy to have met him.
Jim Mayer says
Dick was my dads lifelong friend, married to my moms sister, and my godfather. He fixed my flats, kept my car aligned, and rarely charged me when I was a screwball kid. He was a caretaker and good human being. He never complained about anything I can remember. His mind was sharp and memory impeccable. I miss him.
Jackie Lloyd says
Rest in Peace Dick. He was a friend of my late husband. They use to play cards together and he kept his cars in great shape.
Marie Amundson says
I just loved when Dick and Jeanne would come and visit my mom and her fiancé, Fred Victor. Dick and Fred would reminisce about being on the Navy ships, and always kept our attention with their stories. They would always remember my young son with a Christmas gift on Christmas eve. What wonderful people they were! Now the four of them are together again! I am so sorry for your loss.
Garth Foster says
Mr and Mrs Tillo lived kitty corner to us my entire childhood. I have shared with people all over the country the wonderous bounty of the halloweens they provided. Cans of soda and handfuls of full sized candy bars. This met so much to us when our parents couldn’t provide these things.
As I moved through college and into adult hood both of them always made an effort to visit and offer encouragement where needed.