Robert Bruce “Bob” Tilley

Bob worked for me while in the Air Force. He was an outstanding Electronic Technician, always displaying his professionalism as an Air Force NCO. He could always be depended on to do the job right. We became good friends and we attended many Nascar races when he was stationed at Dover AFB. I will surely miss Bob, but he is in good hands now with our lord Jesus Christ. Rest in Peace my friend. Chief Ed

Love and prayers for Mrs. Noriko and the boys at this time. I don’t ever remember meeting Bob, but he has a fine family that represents him well. Love y’all. Mr and Mrs. “Z”aring (former bus driver and substitute teacher)

Knew Bob and his family for over 20 years and we lived in the same neighborhood for most of that time. Hung out, played a lot of golf and watched our kids grow up together. Bob was as fine a fellow as anyone could ask for in a friend. Truly a “shirt off of his back” kind of guy. You will be missed. Rest in peace, brother.

Bob was a great friend. We had many good times at foxwood country club on the course as well as many conversations on the 19th hole lol. He will be greatly missed.

Bob taught me many life lessons in his tour here at Dover AFB… from electronics to cooking to good credit scores and nice cars! He was a mentor and friend. He and Noriko gave us the best tour of Germany! Although his tour at Dover was short, our friendship was lifelong. Prayers to the entire family! Dawn, Brad, and family.

Bob’s path crossed with mine for a short time. We were 2 Competing Staff Sergeants sent to a place without a job. Both of us had “Newbie” foreign wives and we all were trying to see where we fit in. Well, we found a place to fit in and it was Dover AFB. Bob was always doing something to help out the squadron. From delivering pizzas to the Air Traffic Controllers and Dormitory Residents to the Monthly Bitch sessions at the NCO club sponsored by the Booster Club. Of the ones that were sent to Dover by mistake I was the 1st to leave and only was able to visit him one more time when we were both stationed in Germany. Thought of him quite often and I still do. He is one of the good ones.

I spent a lot of time with Bob and Noriko. Bob was a great friend and coworker. We were assigned together at Dover AFB. We shared an interest in the same professional sports teams. We bowled together for the squadron and also on the mixed doubles league, Bob was a competitive bowler. He was well known throughout the squadron. He would support the squadron in many ways attending booster club meetings, softball games, etc. My thoughts and prayers go out to Noriko and her family at this time of sorrow.

Bob, I hope we meet in heaven so I can make you the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. Rest in Peace.

I am Noriko’s cousin, but I have only met Bob about twice.I am also retiring and wanted to meet Bob and deepen our friendship, so it is a pity. May he rest in peace from Japan.

Bob-san was always kind and welcoming to me. I still remember how amazing his barbecues were and how warm and gentle he always was.
Our kids loved playing together, and I have so many fond memories of spending time with your family.

Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family.

宣子ちゃんへ、
日本よりお悔やみ申し上げます。
この度はご愁傷様でした。心からお悔やみを申し上げます。本来であれば直接ご葬儀に伺うべきところですがメッセージにて申し訳ありません。
ボブさんが生前会津にいらした時、サッポロビールの黒ラベルと銘柄指定だった事を思い出しました。ビールがお好きだったのでしょうか。
宣子ちゃん、しばらくは淋しい毎日だと思いますが、落ち着いたら会津に来てね。
気を落とさずお身体に気をつけてください。

宮城　喜美子（叔母）
宮城　タミ子（従姉）
宮野　厚子 （従姉）
宮城　愛子（叔母）
宮城　ケイ（叔母）
山城　幸子（従妹）
菅井　幸昌（従兄）

Noriko-chan,　
We are sending our condolences from Japan.
We are sorry to hear your loss. We would like to express our sincere condolences.
Under ordinary circumstances, we would attend the funeral in person, but we are sorry that we cannot be there with you, except in spirit.
When Bob-san visited Aizu, Noriko’s hometown, we remembered that he specifically requested Sapporo Beer with Black Label as a brand name. He must have really liked the beer.
Noriko-chan, we are sure that you’ll feel lonely for a while, but please come to Aizu once things are settled down.
Please don’t take it so hard and take good care of yourself.

Kimiko Miyagi (aunt)
Tamiko Miyagi (cousin)
Atsuko Miyano (cousin)
Aiko Miyagi (aunt)
Kei Miyagi (aunt)
Sachiko Yamashiro (cousin)
Yukimasa Sugai (cousin)

Dear my wonderful friend Noriko san: I never met your husband but had a chance talking on the phone. His voice was so beautiful like coming out a warm-hearted person. He was not only kind but also very generous. He sent me his gourmet cooking many occasions. And when I need help he encouraged Noriko san does her best.
I could imagine, now he is in the heaven, blessed and walking with Jesus on the pure gold street. Amen!

この度はとても残念です…
ご愁傷様です。
ボブファミリーと初めてお会いしたのは今から25年ぐらい前の
神奈川県座間キャンプの地でした。
奥様の宣子さんが我が子に初めての英語を教えてくださいました。
外国人に臆することなく大人になれたのはボブファミリーのおかげです。

私の実家は焼き鳥屋なのですが
ある日…
日本の庶民的な小さなお店(実家)に
ボブファミリーをご招待！
その時ボブさんが焼き鳥や日本料理を楽しそうに堪能してくれたことを
思い出します。
私達にとっても良い思い出を
残して下さいました。
ありがとうございました。
ボブさん…
御冥福をお祈りします。

We are sending our condolences to Noriko& son Tilly family.Bob and Jack were working together at Yokota AFB ,Japan.Jack was withness to Noriko&Bob married inTokyo.Then we were followed each other around the world.Until we met again at Mcgiure AFB,NJ .He was a great loving family man .Prayer to entitle Tilley family.Rest in Peace Bob🙏Tompkins family.

Mr. Tilley, thank you and your amazing wife Ms. Noriko for providing delicious meals and hospitality every time when I was a kid and spent the night with Koji and Paul for many years. I’m all grown now, but those days were a part of my childhood and I know Koji will be a friend of mine for life. When I recall the way you made me feel back then, you were the funny dad that always made jokes with us. I liked how you and Ms. Noriko fostered both creativity and talent for Paul and Koji, something which I feel is one of the ways I’ve bonded with them. Rest in peace, Mr. Tilley.

As a young man I had the pleasure of staying at the Tilley household many a night. I have countless memories of warmth and merriment thanks to the hospitality of Mrs. Noriko and of course Mr. Tilley too. Whether it was sharing a delicious home cooked meal or watching Mr. Bean I always felt welcome in their home. In particular I have many memories of Mr. Tilley and if one trait stood out to me the most it was a joy for life and the moments it brings. I remember the pride he took in listening to his sons perform. I remember Friday “concerts” where Paul would play for us on his newly acquired drumset. I remember him telling me the painstaking lengths he would go to to prepare his famous cheesecake each of Paul’s birthdays. I will always cherish these memories and so many more. I thank you Mr. Tilley for all of the food, the music, and the memories and I sincerly hope you rest in peace.

宣子ちゃん、
ボブさんの訃報を聞いて、本当に驚き、この若さで…と思うと、とても悲しく、どんなメッセージを送ればよいか、悩みました。
たくさんの思い出が思い出されます。
ボブさんは一生懸命焼いてくれた、美味しいステーキとじゃがいもを、自分は食べずに、ずっとみんなのために焼いてくださっていました。
座間基地にもお邪魔させていただき、普通では体験できないイベントや、ゴルフ、お買い物など、楽しませていただきました。
フロリダに帰られてからは、なかなかボブさんとはお会いできませんでしたが、またいつか会えると信じていました。しかし今となってはそうもいかずとても残念です。
遠くからですが、たくさんの感謝の気持ちを送ります。
宣子ちゃん、翔くん、晃二くんはまだまだ悲しみでいっぱいでしょうが、どうかお身体を大切にお過ごしください。
ボブさん、安らかにお眠りください。
　　　　　　　　　ありがとうございました。大島　里志、美保、健太郎
Noriko-chan,
When I heard the news of Bob’s passing, I was really shocked and saddened to think how young he was, and I struggled with what kind of message I should send.
I recall many good memories. I remember Bob kept grilling delicious steaks and potatoes for us all, without him eating.
Bob invited us to visit Camp Zama and gave us opportunities to golf, shop, and especially participate in special events on base that I would not normally experience.
After they returned to Florida, I didn’t get to see Bob-san, but I believed that I would see him again someday. However, it is very unfortunate that this is not the case now.
Although I am far away, I would like to send my deepest gratitude to you.
Noriko-chan, Sho-kun, and Koji-kun, you are still filled with sadness, but please take good care of yourself.
Please rest in peace, Bob-san.
Thank you very much. From Satoshi, Miho, Kentaro Oshima

謹んでロバート・ブルース・”ボブ”・ティリーさんの霊に捧げます。
宣子さんの故郷会津若松市に帰省した際、成田空港の近くにある我が家に宿泊いただき、日本酒を飲みながら歓談したこと、そして後日、私たち家族(5人)を座間キャンプにご招待いただき楽しいひと時を過ごしたことなどが懐かしく思い出されます。
今、ボブさんのお写真を拝ませていただいておりますと「あゝ、ちょっと席を空けてしまってごめん」と言って、戻って来てくださるような思いがしてなりません。
博識、かつ創造性に富んでいたボブさんは、奥様の宣子さん、そして息子のポール・翔とショーン・晃二にも、しっかりと語り伝えるべきは伝え遺して行かれたものと信じております。
宣子さんと息子さんは本当に良く看病されました。ボブさん、これからは皆様を天国から見守ってください。そして、いつまでも私たちの心の中に生きていてください。
私の哀悼の言葉とさせていただきます。

We honor the spirit of Robert Bruce “Bob” Tilley.
I remember when Bob-san visited Noriko’s hometown of Aizuwakamatsu City, all of you stayed at my house near the Narita Airport, where we had a pleasant chat while drinking Japanese sake. Later, he invited our family of 5 to Camp Zama which we had a great time together. I have fond memories of the times I spent there.
Now, when I look at Bob-san’s photo, I can’t help but feel like he’s coming right back and saying, “Ah, I’m sorry I had to leave my seat for a while.”
I believe that Bob-san, who was rich in knowledge and creativity, left a legacy that deserves to be passed on to his wife, Noriko, and sons, Paul Sho and Sean Koji.
Noriko and her sons cared for you very well. Bob-san, from now on, please watch over everyone from heaven and please live in our hearts forever. I would like to express my sincere condolences.
Yasumasa Suzuki (Noriko’s uncle)

親愛なるボブさん、
宣子を、36年間、愛し続けてくれて、ありがとう。
長男・ボール翔、次男・ショーン晃二の父親として、魅力的な姿を見せてくれて、ありがとう。
宣子が、数年に1回、日本に帰国することを許してくれて、ありがとう。
宣子が、大学にて会計学を学ぶチャンスをつくってくれて、ありがとう。
宣子が帰国する際、おいしい米国産ワインを選んでくれて、ありがとう。

ボブさんと過ごしたこれまでの日々は、宣子をはじめ、ポール翔・ショーン晃二にとって、幸せ以外の何ものでもなかったことと想像しています。

「ボブさんの追悼記事」を見て、初めて知ったことがたくさんあります。
1． ボブさんは、芸術に才能があったこと。
2． ボブさんが、1986年に優秀な空軍兵上位12人に選出され、皇居にてロナルド・レーガン大統領（当時の大統領）と、会う機会があったこと。
3． ボブさんが、64歳まで公務員として、働き続けていたこと。
4． ボブさんが、料理が得意だったのは、視覚芸術への愛が要因だったこと。
5． ボブさんは、伝統的な料理法（炭火焼きを使う）を好んでいたということ。
6． 2人の息子の音感が素晴らしいのは、ボブさんの影響が多大にあったこと。
7． 今あるフロリダ州の自宅に決めたのは、2人の息子のことを考えてであったこと。
8． ボブさんが好むドライブコースは、景色のよい裏道を、ゆっくりと時間をかけて走るルートであったこと。
9． ボブさんは、簡単な皮肉やジョークを言って人を笑わすことに、多くの喜びを感じていたということ。
思うままに書き出してみてこのくらいです。実は、書き切れないくらいあります！

こんなに素敵な男性が、宣子の夫であったという事実は、宣子にとって、すごーく、すごーく、よかった！と思っています。ボブさん、本当にありがとう。
天国にて、安らかにお眠りください。そして、これからの宣子の行動と、息子二人の活躍を見守ってください。宣子は、もっともっと挑戦し続ける道を選び、行動し続けるであろうと信じます。
日本から、アメリカ合衆国のフロリダ州まで行けずに、申し訳ありません。
ボブさんには、感謝の言葉しかありません。
ボブさん、本当に、ありがとう！
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　宮城　正宣　より
Dear Bob-san,
Thank you for loving Noriko for 36 years. As the father of the eldest son, Paul Sho, and the second son, Sean Koji, thank you for showing them your attractive side. Thank you for willingly allowing Noriko to visit Japan almost every year. Thank you for giving Noriko a chance to learn Accounting at college. Whenever Noriko came home, thank you for selecting delicious American wines for our souvenir.
I can imagine that the days Noriko, Paul, and Koji spent with Bob-san must have been nothing but happiness.
I learned a lot of things for the first time about you through your obituary:
1. Bob-san was talented in art.
2. He was selected as one of the top 12 outstanding airmen in 1986 and had the opportunity to meet then-President Ronald Reagan at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
3. After retiring from the Air Force, he continued to work as a Civil Service until he was 64 years old.
4. His love of visual art was one of the factors he was so good at cooking.
5. He preferred traditional cooking methods (charcoal grilling).
6. The reason why his two sons have such a great sense of pitch is that Bob-san had a lot of influence on them.
7. He decided on his home in Florida with his two sons in mind.
8. His preferred driving route on the road trips was one that took his time and drove enjoyably along scenic back roads.
9. He found a lot of joy in making people laugh with simple sarcasm and jokes.
These are a few things I discovered about Bob-san that came to mind. In fact, there are so many more that I can’t list them all!
The fact that such a wonderful man was Noriko’s husband was amazing, so amazing for Noriko and I’m grateful! Bob-san, thank you so much.
May you rest in peace in heaven, and please keep an eye on Noriko’s future actions and the success of your two sons. I believe that Noriko will continue to choose more challenging paths and will act accordingly.

I’m sorry for not being able to travel from Japan to Florida to attend the ceremony in person. To Bob-san, I have nothing but gratitude.
Thank you so much Bob-san!

Dear Noriko-san, Sho-kun, and Ko-chan,

I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

I have such fond memories of visiting your home in Camp Zama when I was little, learning English from Noriko-san, and seeing Bob-san come home in his uniform. He was always so kind and had a great sense of humor. I still remember the time he brought home a bottle of green ketchup instead of red. All the kids had so much fun and enjoyed his omelet with the green ketchup. It was such a memorable and joyful moment.

Another special memory I have of Bob-san is from when I visited you in Crestview during my study abroad experience. Even though it had been more than ten years since we last met, he still remembered me and welcomed me into your home. I’ll never forget the warmth in his voice when he called me “Seri-chan” with a big smile on his face. The mac and cheese that we cooked together was the best I’ve ever had, and the time we spent together, though short, was so meaningful and heartwarming. It remains one of my most treasured memories from my time in America.

Bob-san, you will be missed. Please rest in peace.

I am thinking of you all during this difficult time. Even though I am in Japan, I am here for you!

Thank you Bob for being so hospitable to our family! Your delicious meals every time Paolo would come over to your house was something to rave about. You have helped raised to two incredible and commendable gentlemen into who they are today. You have played a huge role in making our time in Crestview together and it’s something we will cherish forever and share with others. We love and miss you! Rest in peace.