John Tilley, 80

John Tilley, a longtime member of the Springs Fire Department and the East Hampton Town Marine Patrol, died at home on May 1 in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., under hospice care. He was 80.

Mr. Tilley had seen the world from aboard the Sea Owl as a member of the Navy and was a volunteer fireman for 55 years, serving in Blue Point before joining the department in Springs.

He was born in Amagansett on Oct. 14, 1935, to Raymond Tilley and the former Gertrude Raynor. He grew up at Maidstone Park in Springs and graduated from East Hampton High School. After graduation, he briefly attended the University of Virginia on a football scholarship.

Mr. Tilley joined the Navy in 1954. He later spent 35 years in a supervisory role at Brookhaven National Laboratory, said his wife, the former June Schutte of New Smyrna Beach. A 15-year stint with the Marine Patrol followed.

He enjoyed playing golf, particularly at the Hidden Lakes Golf Club in New Smyrna Beach, his wife said, and was a member of Coronado Community United Methodist Church, also in New Smyrna Beach.

Mr. Tilley’s first wife, the former Janet Cummings, died before him. He and Mrs. Tilley were married on Oct. 18, 2003, in New Smyrna Beach.

Six children and four stepchildren survive. They are Robert Cummings of East Hampton, Kathleen Brylski of Southampton, Linda Vacey of Water Mill, Thomas Cummings of Huntington Station, Patrick Schutte of Southold, Nancy Sarris and Audra Balcuns, both of Springs, and Jeff Cummings, Allison Grunewald, and Linda Platt, all of Hampton Bays. Another child died before him. He leaves 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Visiting hours for Mr. Tilley were on May 6 at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton. The following morning, some 300 people attended a graveside service at Green River Cemetery in Springs, where Mr. Tilley was buried with military honors.

Memorial donations have been suggested to the Springs Fire Department, 179 Fort Pond Boulevard, East Hampton 11937.