After Death Of Businessman, Harford County Flags Lowered

BEL AIR, MD — After the death of a local businessman, the county executive ordered Harford County flags lowered to half-staff.

Walter Tilley, CEO of Home Paramount Pest Control, died Monday. He was 71.

He passed away following a brief battle with cancer, according to his obituary.

After Home Paramount Pest Control was founded in Baltimore by his father in 1939, Tilley grew the business and expanded into states along the East Coast from Pennsylvania to Florida. It is one of the largest pest control companies in the nation.

"Walt Tilley served in the U.S. Marine Corps and went on to lead one of Harford’s oldest companies,” County Executive Barry Glassman said in a statement Thursday. "In honor of his service and all he has done to give back to our community, I have ordered the county flag lowered and send heartfelt sympathies to his beloved family and friends."

Harford County flags will fly at half-staff until sunset Thursday, July 29.

Tilley is survived by his wife, Nancy; his son, Butch; his daughter, Patty and her husband Eric; and his five grandchildren, his obituary said.

A private internment and memorial have not yet been scheduled, according to the obituary for Tilley.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Tilley's memory may make donations to the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Hospital.