Matthew Thomas Tilton passed away unexpectedly on July 7, 2026, at Miles Memorial Hospital due to complications from what began as an infection.

Matthew was born on Feb. 4, 1991, in Portland, Maine, to his parents, Gary Tilton and Vanessa (Hale) Betancourt. Matthew was a kind-hearted person, always looking for ways to serve others. From a young age, he pushed his lawnmower around the town of Washington, Maine, mowing yards for those who could no longer do it themselves. He never asked for or accepted money, instead always looking for ways to bless others. That spirit of generosity continued throughout his life, even shoveling snow this past winter for his newest neighbor.

Matthew grew up in the Church of the Nazarene, and while he was not always active in church, he had a personal relationship with Jesus. Though our hearts are broken and we begin the difficult reality of daily life without him, we find comfort in knowing that Matthew is with Jesus, and we will be together again.

After graduating from Medomak Valley High School with the Class of 2009, Matthew attended Washington County Community College, where he graduated from two different mechanical programs, earning special awards and recognition in both.

Matthew met the love of his life and very best friend, Brittany (Dickinson) Tilton, shortly after graduating from college. Together for more than fourteen years, they were married on Sept. 17, 2016. They enjoyed many adventures together, but their greatest joy was creating a beautiful family.

Matthew had many hobbies. He loved fishing, whether on open water or through the ice, and enjoyed countless days on the water with family and friends. He was community-minded, having served on the Boothbay Fire Department. In addition to attending every one of his children's games, he was always willing to step up and help whenever there was a need.

From an early age, Matthew's mechanical aptitude was evident. There was nothing he could not take apart and put back together exactly as it was meant to be. This talent served him well as he began his career at BIW as an outdoor machinist and ultimately was promoted to lead a team as a manager at Bath Iron Works, where he was well-liked and respected. 

Most recently, with the help of their oldest son, Myles, Matthew took great pride in cutting and clearing the lot that would ultimately become the site of their beautiful new home in Boothbay.

Matthew overcame many challenges throughout his life. Yet, he would have been the first to say that his greatest accomplishments, and those of which he was most proud, were his loving marriage and his beautiful children.

Matthew was predeceased by his infant son, Cole Matthew Tilton; his father, Gary Tilton; his paternal grandmother, Janet Tilton; his maternal grandfather, Tom Hale, with whom he shared a special relationship; his maternal aunts, Valarie Hale and Viki Reed; his cousins, Jamie Lee Reed and Caleb Packard; and Brittany's grandparents, Bob Blackman and Sandy and Lee Dickinson.

In addition to his wife, Brittany, Matthew is survived by his children, Myles, Maci, and Bodie Tilton; his mother and stepfather, Vanessa and Miguel Betancourt; his father- and mother-in-law, Doug and Lori Dickinson; his maternal grandmother, Darlene Hale; his paternal grandfather, Alan Tilton; his uncle and aunt, Glenn and Lisa Tilton; Brittany's grandparents, Ron and Darlene French; his brother-in-law, Daniel Dickinson; as well as several great-aunts and uncles, cousins, other relatives, and close friends with whom he shared many special memories.

Family and friends are invited to visiting hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15 at Hall's Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay, ME 04537. A private family burial will be held at Shuman Cemetery in Waldoboro.

 Hall’s of Boothbay has care of arrangements. To extend online condolences go to hallfuneralhomes.com.