Stephen R. Tilton, Sr.

Stephen R. Tilton, Sr.

Upper Montclair, New Jersey

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Stephen R. Tilton, Sr., a beloved, and devoted family man, a leader in finance, and a pillar of the community. Stephen, aged 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Stephen was a prominent figure in the finance industry, serving as the current Chairman and CEO of Tilton Securities, LLC, where he expertly managed trading operations and portfolio positions in equity markets and U.S. government securities. His commitment to excellence and innovation was evident throughout his career.

In addition to his leadership at Tilton Securities, Stephen held the title of Chairman and CEO at Chaumont Holdings, Inc., and Fletcher Holdings, LLC, where he successfully invested in both residential and commercial real estate properties. His entrepreneurial spirit and strategic foresight contributed to the growth and success of these companies.

Stephen's career in finance began with Garvin Bantel Corp., which he grew into the largest federal funds broker in the U.S. From 1967 to 1975, he made significant strides in the industry, merging North American businesses with the largest Eurodollar and foreign exchange broker in London. His foresight led to the creation of Garban LLC and Garvin Guy Butler, where he pioneered the display of prices on electronic trading screens, revolutionizing the securities brokerage business.

By 1985, under his leadership, the merged entity became the world’s largest wholesale money and securities broker, bearing witness to his remarkable ability to lead and inspire. His leadership resulted in a workforce of 4,000 employees across 23 countries. Stephen's vision was instrumental in acquiring Titus and Donnelly Securities, reinforcing his status in the municipal bond market.

He was also the Former Chairman of GovPx, an electronic provider of financial information to Reuters, Dow Jones, Bloomberg, and Telerate. Former Chairman and Executive Director of Government Securities Clearing Corporation. Former Director of Lakeland Bancorp. Former Director of Statewide Savings Bank. Former Director of National Bank of Sussex County. He was Chairman of the Schumacher Automotive Group, the largest seller of Chevrolets in the state of New Jersey. 

In addition, Stephen was on the Board of Directors of Pope John XXIII Regional High School Endowment Fund and Boston College Wall Street Council. Mountainside Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees. Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation. Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Jersey. Archdiocese of Paterson, New Jersey. He was a member of Upper Montclair Country Club, Montclair Golf Club, Essex Fells Country Club, and Lake Mohawk Golf Club. He actively participated in community service and enjoyed mentoring professionals in his field.

A graduate of St Michael’s College and NCAA Basketball final four finalist. He also attended the New York Institute of Finance. As we remember Stephen R. Tilton, Sr., we celebrate a life well-lived, marked by achievement, love, and lasting impact. He will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Stephen was known for his professional achievements and his unwavering dedication to his family and community. He was a loving husband to Judith Ann Tilton (nee Schumacher.) Stephen also leaves behind his son Stephen R. Tilton Jr. and his wife Lisa, his daughter Margaret Ann Magaldi and her husband Michael, his son Kenneth Benjamin Tilton and his wife Laura.  His Grandchildren Stephen Russell III, Jake Raymond, Julia Ann, William Tilton, Sienna Monahan, and Estella Phelan. He was predeceased by his father Russell Amos Tilton Jr., his mother Edna Paddell Tilton, his sister Lynn McCarthy, and her husband Cornelius Patrick McCarthy. He is survived by his brother Michael and his wife Barbara, his sister Jane and her husband David Johnson, his sister Sue and her husband John Sakowski. His family cherished him for his warmth, wisdom, and the love he generously shared with them.

A Catholic mass will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 10:30 am in The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge Street, Newark, NJ. Private Family Interment will follow in Mount Hebron Cemetery in Montclair, NJ. Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Bizub-Parker Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Little Falls, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Valerie Fund (www.thevaleriefund.org)

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