Obituary of Carleton C. Dilatush

Carleton C. Dilatush, 99, Point Pleasant resident since 1953, passed away peacefully in his home March 14, 2017. Carleton (Dil) was a 1940 graduate of Rutgers University. As a proud alumnus he volunteered his time and talents serving as class alumni president for 45 years and as president of the Rutgers '40 Scholarship Fund. He was a longstanding and active member of the Board of Trustees and retired as a Board Member Emeritus. Recognized for his dedicated service to the university, he was honored with the highest and most prestigious alumni awards: Loyal Sons & Daughters of Rutgers; Scarlet Oak Meritorious Service Award; and the Walter H. Seward Rutgers for Life Award. A US Army volunteer, Dil was a decorated World War II veteran. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for distinguished officer service. He advanced to the rank of major and after the War, served in the NJ National Guard, 50th Armor Division with the rank of lieutenant colonel. After military service, he joined Armstrong Cork in their NYC Sales Division. He remained with the company his entire career and retired as the President of National Cork. Dil was respected as an expert in the industry but always felt his biggest success came from the close relationships and friendships he developed with his customers both here and abroad. Dil was a devoted parishioner at Saint Mary's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church for over 60 years where he and his wife, Shirley, raised their four children. After their family was grown, they remained active volunteers for their entire lives. Dil served as Senior Warden of the Vestry for 30 years, and was instrumental in the planning and creation of the church Memorial Garden to provide a sacred resting place for the church family. Dil's family meant everything to him. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Shirley Cain Dilatush, and brother, Clifford S. Dilatush. Surviving are his sons, Thomas and his wife, Linda, of Kinnelon, NJ; Scott and his wife, Charlene, of Point Pleasant Beach; daughters, Lee Ann Mattia and husband, Albert of Boynton Beach, FL; Mary Beth McDonald and husband, Michael of Portsmouth, RI. Surviving also are six grandchildren: Todd; Kathryn; Scott; Stephen; Sophia; Aubrey; and four great-grandchildren, Ryan, Brayden, Greta and Hunter. A memorial service will be held at Saint Mary's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, corner of Bay and Atlantic Avenues, Point Pleasant Beach on Saturday, April 22 at 11:00 am. The Committal will follow immediately in the Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Mary's Memorial Garden.