In the late autumn of 2017, the community of Dover, New Hampshire, was touched by a quiet tragedy. A 23-year-old Caucasian male named George Tilton, who had formerly lived in Exeter, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2017. His death marked the end of a courageous and prolonged battle with severe depression, a fight he could no longer sustain.
Born in New Jersey, George moved to Exeter at the age of three and spent his formative years there.
He was a graduate of the Cornerstone School and Great Bay Charter School. His commitment to others was recognized during his senior year when he received the Faith and Service Award from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for his contributions to his church and the wider community. This desire to help people was a defining characteristic of his life.
George pursued his passion for the culinary arts, earning an Associate's degree in culinary arts and dietetics from The Thompson School at the University of New Hampshire. While at UNH, he became deeply involved with Active Minds, a student organization dedicated to destigmatizing mental illness, a cause that was profoundly personal to him. At the time of his passing, he was working towards a degree in Social Work, a path that aligned with his innate empathy and his calling to support others. He found great purpose in his job at Crossroads House in Portsmouth, where he expressed deep respect and empathy for the residents he served. George was known as a gifted cook and baker who found joy in delighting his family and friends with his culinary creations. His interests were broad, ranging from video games and satirical humor to a wide spectrum of music. He was also a proud adherent to the 'Straight Edge' philosophy, abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs.
