In Loving Memory

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Alfred Craig Tillmann Sr., who departed on January 22, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, Pop-Pop, coach, and a cherished friend to many. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his ability to bring out the best in others, his generosity, leadership and quick wit.

Life and Legacy

Alfred Craig Tillmann Sr., loving husband of 62 years to Dorothy Elaine Tillmann, was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1935, the son of Alfred Walter and Anne Marie Tillmann.  Growing up in Highlandtown, he attended St. Elizabeth Catholic School. Craig played soccer and lacrosse goalie at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (class of ‘54). He was the keeper for Poly’s 1953 MSA soccer champions. He continued with his love of sports, playing goalie for the Maryland Lacrosse Club from 1954-1964. 

“Tick-Tock”, as Craig was known later in his lacrosse officiating career, started coaching with the Red Shield Boys Club, winning the Maryland Junior League championship in 1964.  He solicited equipment from friends like Bob Scott and used discarded baseball gear for his goalie mentees. 

Archbishop Curley High School chose Craig to be their first lacrosse coach where he won Maryland Scholastic Association Championships in 1969 and 1971. Nearly fifty student athletes went on to play for elite NCAA programs. 

Craig continues to be remembered by the Curley community. So loved by former players, they created the Coach Craig Tillmann Scholarship Fund and award in 1977. The award is presented to Curley’s top lacrosse player each season. Coach “Harpo” was inducted into the Archbishop Curley HS Athletic Hall of fame in October of 2018. 

Professional responsibilities led Craig to leave coaching and embark on a 30+ year run as an official. He officiated at every level of lacrosse in his era, including NCAA Divisions I, II and III, International Field Lacrosse in the USA and Canada (1988-90), and the professional Major Indoor Lacrosse League (1988-90).  Craig was selected as bench official for five NCAA Final Four Collegiate Championship weekends. 

 

After retiring from the field, Craig was a key member of the National Collegiate Observer Program and was the Assistant Assigning Authority for the US International Lacrosse Association.  He was recognized with The Bernie Ulman Award, The Charles Ellinger Award, and the Coaches Andrew M. Kirkpatrick Award.

Craig also holds a U.S. utility patent for the unique lacrosse training and rehabilitation device that he developed with his son, called the Head Rock.  

Employed by Western Electric, Craig retired after 30 years service in 1986.  He was a management personnel Supervisor and labor relations specialist.  He also proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for five years. 

Funeral Arrangements

Calling Hours: Monday, January 27, 2025 4-7pm
Connelly Funeral Home | 300 Mace Ave. Baltimore, MD 21221

Celebration of Life: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 11am Our Lady Queen of Peace
10003 Bird River Rd | Middle River, MD 21220

In Lieu of Flowers

Memorial donations can be made to the Coach A. Craig Tillmann Award at Archbishop Curley High School online at https://payit.nelnet.net/form/Kf8bbMaZ or mailed to Archbishop Curley 3701 Sinclair Lane Baltimore MD 21213.