Richard Lyman Tilden, age 80, passed away on January 22, 2026, in Punta Gorda, Florida. He was born on February 1, 1945, in Los Angeles, California. His passing was sudden and mercifully quick, a small comfort to those who loved him deeply.

Richard was adopted at birth by Philip Bertrand Tilden and Florence Lorraine Maxon Tilden and was later raised by his father and beloved stepmother, Elizabeth Tilden, who together provided him with a strong foundation of family and values that shaped his life.

Richard spent his early years in San Bernardino before moving with his family to Temple City and later San Marino, California. He attended San Marino High School, where his lifelong passion for cars took hold. As a teenager, he became deeply immersed in the Southern California drag racing scene, spending countless hours working on hot rods alongside a close-knit group of friends. That love of speed, engines, and competition never left him-throughout his life, Richard was always chasing the next fast car and remained actively involved in drag racing for decades.

He attended UCLA, where he participated in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, and later earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematical Sciences from California State University, Los Angeles. Richard began his professional career with Pacific Telephone in California and later transferred to New Jersey, where he held a corporate leadership role with AT&T's Consumer Products Division. In 1997, he took early retirement, only to embark on a new chapter of public service as a political appointee, serving for four years as an executive under New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman.

Richard's life was enriched by his love of travel. He explored the world extensively, visiting Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Alaska, and beyond-always curious, observant, and eager to learn from new places and people.

In 2002, Richard and his wife Joyce relocated to Punta Gorda, Florida, settling on St. Thomas Drive to enjoy retirement. Those years were filled with the pursuits he loved most: drag racing, supporting his son's racing career, muscle cars of every kind, and fishing. He was also a talented tennis player, serving as a Men's Tennis Team Captain at Isles Yacht Club, an avid billiards player, and a devoted professional baseball fan.

Richard's personal life was rich and complex, marked by enduring love for family and deep connections. He was first married to Christy Ann Zigler, and together they welcomed two children: Heather Elizabeth Tilden (born 1968) and Matthew Alan Tilden (born 1973). He later married Joyce Lorraine Tilden, with whom he shared 37 years of marriage while raising Heather and Matthew. Even after their marriage ended, the family bonds remained strong.

In the final months of his life, Richard found happiness and companionship with Sam Oates, whom he adored. He was also preceded in death by his dear companion Paula Furnee, whom he loved deeply.

Richard is survived by his children Matthew Alan Tilden and Heather Elizabeth Tilden VonHorn and her husband Frederick VonHorn; his cherished grandchildren Kimberly Iglesias, Ryan Iglesias, Heather Pierce and her husband Simon Pierce, Morgan Tilden, Liam Tilden, Piper Tilden, Caide Tilden, Cullan Tilden, and Colson Tilden; and his great grandchildren Fiona Pierce, Jack Pierce and Murray Pierce. He is also survived by his siblings Laurie Tilden Lucas Goff, Lynne Jorgensen (and her late husband Bruce Jorgensen), Leslie Schoenfeld, and Raymond Lundelius and his wife Jane Lundelius, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Above all else, Richard will be remembered for who he was. He possessed an infectious, effortless sense of humor and almost never met a person he couldn't make laugh. Friends, colleagues, and even strangers often remarked that he was one of the wittiest people they had ever known. His intelligence was striking, his curiosity boundless, and his conversations, and mastery of all things trivia, unforgettable. Most importantly, Richard was a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ, a faith that guided his life and has now given him everlasting peace.

Richard Lyman Tilden lived fully-fast cars, faraway places, deep love, loud laughter, and steadfast faith. He leaves behind a legacy of joy, humor, and devotion that will continue to echo through the lives of all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life at 11 am on February 6th, 2026, at Isles Yacht Club, 1780 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cardiovascular Research Fund (www.crf.org), Racers for Christ (www.teamrfc.org), and the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).