– In the quiet town of Allegany, the echoes of a well-lived life resonate as the community bids farewell to a man whose legacy is etched into the very structures that define the landscape. Bruce M. Tiller, aged 91, departed this world on January 13, 2024, at Buffalo General Hospital, leaving behind a tapestry of memories woven through decades of hard work, love, and dedication. Born on February 7, 1932, in Olean, Bruce was the son of Raymond and Rebecca Mullett Tiller. His journey began at Olean High School, where he graduated in 1950. A man of ambition and dedication, he extended his educational pursuits to St. Bonaventure University, marking the early stages of a life immersed in construction, commitment, and community service.
The narrative of Bruce’s life took a profound turn when, on May 24, 1952, he exchanged vows with Virginia G. Billings at the Five Mile Baptist Church in Allegany. This union blossomed into a remarkable journey of 72 years, marked by shared dreams, enduring love, and a partnership that weathered the storms of life. During the Korean War, Bruce answered the call of duty and enlisted in the US Army in 1952. Assigned to the Signal Corps, he served as a radio instructor in Augusta, GA, contributing his skills to the war effort. His honorable discharge in 1954 marked the end of his military service, but his sense of duty and discipline would remain guiding principles throughout his life.
Bruce embarked on his construction career, initially working for Ek Construction in Olean. Later, he operated a kitchen store on West State St., specializing in custom cabinets. His dedication to his craft led him to join the Carpenter’s Union Local 66, where he worked for Lane Construction. His involvement in building the Southern Tier Expressway bridges became a testament to his contribution to the region’s infrastructure. Not content with residential projects, Bruce expanded Tiller Construction to encompass commercial constructions, undertaking state, county, and federal projects. His leadership and vision left an indelible mark on Olean’s skyline, with landmarks such as Cecchi News Agency, Lown’s Printing, Park Place Professional Building, and the Castle Motel standing as enduring testaments to his skill and commitment.
Beyond Olean, Bruce’s influence stretched across six states, as he took charge of projects ranging from AMC theaters to the Bath Fish Hatchery. His role in building the theater in the Olean Center Mall reflects his contribution to the local cultural landscape. In 1994, Bruce officially retired, but his love for construction and community remained undiminished. He continued to lend his expertise to his son Aaron’s property renovations, ensuring that his legacy of craftsmanship persisted.
A man of faith, Bruce was a devoted member of the Allegany Baptist Church. His spiritual journey included a stint at the Five Mile Baptist Church in Allegany and the Southside Baptist Church in Augusta, GA, during his military service. He exemplified the teachings of generosity and charity, extending a helping hand to those in need. Bruce’s family, the bedrock of his existence, survives him, carrying forward the values instilled by a patriarch whose love knew no bounds. His wife, Virginia, who stood by his side for 72 years, three children—Pamela Derx of Allegany, Tamera Montante of Marco Island, FL, and Aaron (Christine Brown) Tiller of Allegany—become the torchbearers of his enduring legacy.
The torch is further passed to his five grandchildren—Adam (Anna Richards) Derx, Amber (Matthew) LeBlanc, Michael P. Montante III, Lauren Montante, and Sydney (Kevin Haschmann) Tiller. A great-grandson, Kayden LeBlanc, is the torch’s newest carrier, symbolizing the continuation of a family bond that transcends generations. Bruce is reunited in the afterlife with his siblings Sadie Peasley, Maxwell Tiller, Elmo Fish, Florence Cooney, and Betty Dufur, who preceded him in death. Their shared memories, laughter, and love become the foundation on which the Tiller family stands.
Friends and well-wishers will gather to celebrate Bruce’s life at the McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, offering a space for shared memories and expressions of sympathy.
The culmination of this commemoration will be a Mass of Christian Burial at the Allegany Baptist Church, a sacred space where Bruce found solace in his faith. The journey of Bruce M. Tiller has reached its earthly conclusion, but the imprints of his legacy remain eternally embedded in the buildings he constructed and the lives he touched. As he bids adieu to this world, the community of Allegany acknowledges the profound impact of a life well-lived—one built with love, commitment, and a genuine desire to contribute to the world around him.
