Tillotson

Willard "Bill" Jonathan Tillotson Jr., 82, of Butler passed away Thursday.

He was born on July 26, 1928, as the son of the late Willard Jonathan Tillotson Sr. and Katherine (Pollack) Tillotson in the small village of Tillotson, Pa. Bill's humble beginnings set the stage for a life filled with remarkable vision, compassion for others, and a relentless drive for excellence.

At the ripe young age of 6, Bill began working, offering a glimpse into the character and work ethic that would eventually help achieve substantial success and influence.

Bill served his country for two years in the U.S. Army before entering Allegheny College in 1948. As a student, he was an Interfraternity Council member, class officer, co-captain of the soccer team, and a catcher for the baseball team.

After graduating from Allegheny, Bill would go on to establish Hefren-Tillotson in 1955, buying Arthur R. Hefren & Co. from his father-in-law.

As chairman of the board and founder of Hefren-Tillotson, Bill's vision and financial acumen helped build the company to become one of the largest wealth management firms in Pennsylvania. Long before the phrase "financial planning" was even created, Bill saw the need to coordinate all aspects of his clients' financial situation, thus forming the MASTERPLAN approach. This comprehensive approach to wealth management remains the cornerstone of the firm today and was a key reason for Bill's absolute belief that people are better off working with Hefren-Tillotson.

Bill had a remarkable impact on those around him, clearly seeing the importance of people over materialism. He had a sincere respect for others and took great joy in seeing the "smart, young people" around him excel. This attitude resulted in a unique culture at Hefren-Tillotson, which has earned the company multiple awards as one of the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh. His commitment to others helped the company persevere through many market downturns without layoffs, while competitors disappeared from the landscape. Bill's love for his family clearly included the Hefren-Tillotson family, which he viewed as both employees and clients.

This compassion for others extended well into the community. Bill served as a trustee to Allegheny College from 1984 to 2005 and received the college's most prestigious alumni award, the Alumni Medal, in 2007. His love for the community, arts, and sports also included generous support of the Butler and Pittsburgh symphonies, the Butler Library, The Community Health Clinic of Butler, the Pittsburgh Ballet, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and the University of Pittsburgh.

Bill was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church in Wexford, the New Castle Scottish rite, the Syria Shrine and the Royal Order of Jesters.

Anyone who came into contact with Bill quickly recognized his passion to live life to the fullest. Bill's great sense of humor and fiercely competitive nature was infamous among his friends. As an avid golfer and member of Butler, Oakmont, and Palm Aire (in Sarasota, Fla.) Country Clubs, Bill made his opponents fight for every victory, but always did so as a gentleman and with a great sense of humor. In fact, he was competitive even about his dog, Jasper, who Bill thought was far superior to the other Bichons in the family.

Despite all of his success, Bill's strong character never wavered, which is a key reason why the name Hefren-Tillotson has become synonymous with integrity. For all of us blessed to have known him, our lives will be forever touched by this exceptional man.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Carol (Hefren) Tillotson; two daughters, Mrs. Sharon (Robert) Gallagher of Zelienople and Mrs. Kimberly (Curtis) Fleming of Mars; a son, Craig Arthur Tillotson and his wife, Jill, of Marshall Township.; nine grandchildren, Lauren, Jonathan, Read, Ryan, Justin, Trey and Aaron Tillotson and Grant and Todd Fleming; two sisters, Mrs. Cherie (David) Anderson of Chautauqua, N.Y., and Mrs. Sandra (Ronald) Reed of Spartansburg, Pa.; two brother-in-laws, Holland Morgan of Corry, and Michael Csop of Spartansburg, Pa.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death along with his parents are an infant grandson, Jordan Anthony Gallagher, and two sisters, Joann Morgan and Shirley Csop.

<B>Tillotson</B> — A Celebration of Life in honor of Willard J. Tillotson, who died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 320 Sixth Ave., downtown Pittsburgh. Valet parking will be available. There will be no visitation.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Allegheny College, 520 N. Main St, Meadville, PA 16335, the American Heart Association, 10 Duff Road, Suite 304, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, or The Community Health Clinic of Butler County, 103 Bonnie Drive, Butler, PA 16002.Arrangements are by <B>Young Funeral Home</B>, Butler. For more information, go to www.youngfuneralhomes.com.