Andrea Tillman
Andrea Tillman died Aug. 7 at San Simeon by the Sound Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Greenport. She was 64.
Andrea (Cavagnaro) Tillman was the older of two children born and raised in East Hampton, Long Island. In school she excelled in math and science but also enjoyed the arts and playing field hockey. Her early years were spent in Alabama, where she had close relationships with aunts, uncles and cousins on her mother’s side of the family. Her father, Trieste George Cavagnaro, owned Cavagnaro’s Delicatessen and Grocery in East Hampton, while her mother, Merle (Allen) Cavagnaro, worked as a secretary at the local high school.
Upon graduation from SUNY/Stony Brook in 1969, Andrea taught grades 3 and 4 at the Middle Country School District in Lake Grove, Long Island. It was during this time that Andrea met Arthur Tillman at the The Post House in Southampton, a then popular meeting place for young singles. Art and Andy were married in 1970 at the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in East Hampton.
Through the years, she remained an active member of the community, making time to volunteer and work in those areas that mattered to her most. Andrea taught Sunday School at Mattituck Presbyterian Church, wrote the Mattituck news column in The Traveler Watchman, supported the Mattituck Free Library expansion project and served as a Board Member of the North Fork Environmental Council. When planning to return to work she continued her education in the sciences while volunteering with the Riverhead Ambulance Corps and working as a nursing assistant at Central Suffolk Hospital. In 1984 she worked in the medical records department at Central Suffolk Hospital.
Starting and raising a family was a priority for Andrea. As a mother, Andrea was doting, generous and resourceful. Andrea’s warmth, generosity and enthusiasm extended beyond her home. Skilled at sewing, she often crafted and designed her children’s clothing and shared patterns with others. Holidays were also very special, as she made elaborate gingerbread houses, artisan Easter chocolates, fortune cookies complete with messages, Dutch-style pretzels and candy apples. When not creating something new, Andrea enjoyed being a 4H leader, playing the piano and supporting her children’s music education.
She is survived by her husband, Art; her daughters, Lahra Tillman of Cambridge, Mass., Leah Sullivan of Mattituck and Catherine Fledderjohn of Silver Spring, Md.; two grandchildren; and her brother, Richard Cavagnaro of Southold.
Visiting hours took place Aug. 9 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. Funeral services were held Aug. 10 at Mattituck Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. George Gaffga officiating, followed by interment at New Bethany Cemetery in Mattituck.
The family of Andrea Tillman extends our deepest thanks to all those at Mattituck Presbyterian Church, the staff of San Simeon and the community for their kindness, generosity and prayers though the years.
Donations may be made to the Andrea Tillman Memorial Employee Assistance Program Fund at San Simeon by the Sound in Greenport.
This is a paid notice.
