Robert Chadwick Hilton, 89, of Lowell St., Carlisle, passed away early Friday morning, March 28, 2025.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Lewis Hilton, of Carlisle and son, Michael Lewis Hilton and wife Carolyn of Littleton, MA and granddaughter Brianna of Burlington, VT. He is also survived by his brother John C. Hilton of Glastonbury, CT, sister Ann Marie Roubachewsky of Mechanicsville, MD as well as many nieces and nephews.  Bob was the son of the late Stanley C. and Sarah E. Hilton of Chestnut Hill, MA.  He was also the brother of the late James C Hilton and sister Mary Caron.

Born on August 28, 1935, he attended Brookline schools, Boston College High school, Class of 1953, and received a BA in classics from Boston University, a MLS from Simmons College, an MA from Tufts in classics and a doctorate in Information Technology from Simmons University. After positions as Assistant Library Director, at the Waltham and Fitchburg public libraries, he became Director of Cary Memorial Library, Lexington (1967 - 1994). He was active in many state and national Library Associations and was a founding member of the Associated Library Consultants, where he specialized in local library programs for public, school and special libraries.

Bob was active in town affairs also, having been a member of an early cable committee, the Historical Commission and two Highland School committees. This reflected his interest in early New England towns, both architecturally and historically, with a special emphasis on the rise of the first publicly supported libraries. He cared a great deal about the center of Carlisle and its unique character. A man of many parts, over the years Bob enjoyed hiking, tennis, swimming, downhill skiing, playing the flute, and attending the BSO for 50 years.

Sailing Cape Cod catboats out of Marblehead was a great joy - and adventure. However, the one "hobby that got out of hand" was maple sugaring. Begun as a neighborhood project, it gradually took over the month of March, occasioned the building of a backyard sugar house and the endless movement of sap. The Carlisle Tap and Sap Society had a 35-year run - not bad! All in all, a life well lived.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord, MA on Thursday, April 10th from 4 to 7 pm.  His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Irene Parish, 181 East Street, Carlisle, MA on Friday, April 11th at 10 am.  Burial will follow at Green Cemetery in Carlisle.

For those who wish to attend Bob's Mass remotely by live stream, please click here .

Contributions may be made in Bob's honor to Boston College High School, Office of Advancement, 150 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.