John Earl Tilley

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“It is more blessed to give than to receive” Acts 20:35

John Earl Tilley passed away on July 31, 2025, at the age of 83. Originally, from Allendale, South Carolina, John truly believed it was better to give than receive. His generosity was limitless. Not only was he generous in life, but also in death as an organ donor.  John was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a beautiful soul who would help anybody.

He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local # 3 for over 60 years. Before retiring he held the position of Foreman for thirty-five years.

Since his Boy Scout days, he has always helped to better communities. He helped in the efforts of organizing the New York City Taxi’s union. 

He holds numerous certifications-Columbia School of Social Work (Councilor of Rehabilitation and Drug Abuse), Cornell University (Labor Relations), St. John’s University (Adult Education Program Teacher), and  OSHA. 

John taught General Education Development (GED) preparatory courses for members at Local #3, as a way to give back to his IBEW brothers. In addition, he aided in organizing the first IBEW Apprentices Blood Bank Program and IBEW Apprentices Bowling League. 

John was a member of the Lewis Howard Latimer Progressive Association and served as the Business Manager for the organization for over 25 years. The Director of the Lewis H. Latimer Youth Development Center for numerous years. Today he is an Honorary Member of the organization.

A resident of the Queens community for almost 60 years. Member of the Springfield Gardens Town Hall Civic Association, and was an active member of the Thurgood Marshall Democratic Club and Guy R. Brewer Democratic Club. He was on the same ballot as, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, Attorney General Eliot Spitzer and New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall and was elected as New York State Committeeman of the 31st Assembly District (AD).

The Past Master of Lebanon Lodge # 54, member of Royal Eagle Chapter # 27, Long Island Consistory # 61, Past District Deputy Grand Master Prince Hall Queens, Nassau and Suffolk County. Received his 33rd Degree in 2006 as G.I.G., S.G.I.G. in 2011, and H.P.G.M. in 2021. 

John touched the lives many with his story telling, sense of humor, creativity, curiosity, and gregarious outgoing nature. He had a great gift of building community around him of. He loved jazz, the blues, and black and white cowboy movies.  His hobbies included golf, bowling, bid whist, tunk, poker and reading, but his passion was Masonry.

John is survived by his daughters, Bunita Joyce Tilley, Lisa Denise Tilley Betts, grandson, Brenden John Isaac Betts Jr., sisters, Sara Ann Tilley McDuffie and Gloria Tilley Drayton, many nephews and nieces.

Predeceased in joining the Lord: Father & Mother, Reverend Stephen James & Mary Louise Tilley, brother, Steven James Tilley III, sister Pearl Juanita Tilley Spears, and daughter, Wanda Shanita Mitchell.

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