Philip Gerard Tilbury Sr. was born in Escalon, CA on Sept. 5, 1949 and drove his bright red “6J” racecar across the finish line, peacefully with family close by, on April 1, 2026, at age 76. Phil graduated from Escalon High in 1967. He married his high school sweetheart – his wife of 58 years – Patricia Knight, and they raised their sons, Phil Tilbury Jr. and Treven Tilbury, in Escalon. He attended Modesto Jr. College as a Commercial Art major, working days for Hogan Mfg. in various increasingly responsible capacities for 20 years. In 1991, Phil and his wife started their own company, Tilbury Constructors Inc., a General/Steel Erection Contractor. For more than 30 years Tilbury Constructors played a critical role in many Bay Area and Valley commercial projects, leaving its stamp on numerous grand designs, including the Downtown Plaza mall in Sacramento, the sky bridge at the Sacramento Airport, and hospitals, schools, and commercial buildings from Sacramento to San Francisco, Merced to Roseville. Phil continued to work until he was physically no longer able to do so. He was a proud member of Iron Workers Local 118 Sacramento for 30+ years.
Anyone who knew Phil – and there were many – knew that he was driven, competitive and creative, qualities reflected in his interests and hobbies. He had a knack for anything mechanical and had a passion for cars from childhood. From 1972 through the mid-1980’s, Phil designed, built, and drove racecars at Stockton 99 Speedway (even becoming the first car into the 13-seconds bracket). The family still owns his first car – a mint green ’51 Chevy. He was an incredible artist, both as a drafter of technical construction drawings and fine art. Later, he became an avid bicyclist. He rode his six bicycles more than 200,000 miles over his lifetime, twice taking on the “Davis Double” 12 hr. round trip ride from U.C. Davis to Clear Lake, and twice conquering the infamous “Death Ride” up and over five grueling passes in the Sierras! He accomplished numerous other 100-mile rides and could often be seen cycling between Oakdale and Knights Ferry, and well beyond! He loved his time on his bike, and it kept him fit and brought a joyful twinkle to his eyes. Thankfully he also savored a few more relaxing hobbies, such as camping and trout fishing on beautiful rivers near Yosemite, and later in life, bass fishing on the Delta with his son, Phil Jr.
In 1999 Pat and Phil embarked on a great adventure, designing and building their dream “home on the pond” in Oakdale, with signature I-beam columns reflecting the strength and artistic talent that were hallmarks of Phil Tilbury! He was a lifelong lover of great music (everything from Classic Rock, Motown and Country), outstanding red wine, and just about any dessert on the menu! His sense of humor warmed hearts all around. He treasured his wife, his family, their dear friends and work associates, and was the best Dad and Grandpa a kid could want. His family will miss him dearly and carry forth his legacy.
He leaves behind: Wife, Pat; Son, Phil Jr. (wife Jan); Grandchildren, Philip G. Tilbury III (wife Molly) and Allison Tilbury; Son, Treven (wife Carol), Step-Grandchildren, Cassidy and Steven; Brothers, Ric (wife Joan) and Warren (wife Lois). He is preceded in death by his father, Harry (’93), mother, Dorothy (’94), and sister, Barbra (’23). The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to Bristol Hospice and Brenda’s Place for their care and compassion.
A graveside ceremony will be held at Burwood Cemetery on Friday, May 15 at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
The Oakdale (Calif) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
April 22, 2026
