John M. Tumilty, 87, of Greensburg, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at his home. He was born on November 12, 1937, in Greensburg, Indiana to Raymond and Rose (Klene) Tumilty. John lived a life of service, dedication, and deep love for his family and community.
After attending Greensburg High School, John proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a submariner. Following his military service, he married June Taylor on August 22, 1959, and they shared over 65 years together until her passing.
In his early years, John worked as a bricklayer with many other family members. However, John’s life was defined by service and dedication, with his primary career as a firefighter for the Greensburg Fire Department for more than 20 years, retiring as Assistant Chief. Over the course of more than 50 years in fire service, including volunteer firefighting, he made a lasting impact on the department and the community by contributing to firefighter advocacy and education as a member of the Board of Directors for Firefighter Safety and Education. He also co-founded the Greensburg Fire Academy, teaching firefighting techniques and training. During the years he served as a firefighter, he additionally worked as an EMT on the newly formed ambulance service. He also worked as a plan reviewer for the Indiana Building Commission and served as Director of the Decatur County Emergency Management Agency for several years. After retiring from the fire department, he served as Safety Director at GECOM for 10 years. Later in life, he worked as an expedited truck driver.
A lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, John was active in the Knights of St. John, the American Legion Post #129, the USSVI-Hoosier Base and the Eagles. He was also co-founder and the first president of the Decatur County ARC, advocating passionately for individuals with disabilities.
John was a man of many talents and passions. He loved bowling, fishing, and camping, and had a special fondness for playing the bagpipes—a skill that brought joy to many.
He is survived by his loving children: Monica (Fred) Overlock, Angela Tumilty, and Teresa (Michael) Hahn; grandchildren: Mariah (Joshua) Gerlach, Derek Overlock, Collin (Maja) Overlock, Brandon Overlock, Kelli (Austin) Senteney, and Megan (Adam) Hawks; and great-grandchildren: Sophie, Isabel, and James Gerlach; Alexandra, Gabriel, and Benjamin Senteney; Theodore and Charles Hawks.
Also surviving are his siblings: his brother Thomas (Marilyn) Tumilty, and two sisters, Margaret “Peg” Hash, and Sharon Tumilty; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, June; and his sisters: Roselyn Tumilty, Linda Tumilty, Patricia Upton, and Betty Hamilton.
Family and friends will gather to pray the Rosary on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at Porter-Oliger-Pearson Funeral Home in Greensburg. Visitation will follow from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. An additional hour of visitation will take place on Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., with Father Carlton Beever officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Decatur County ARC and/or St. Mary’s Catholic School.
John will be remembered for his unwavering service, his kind heart, and the deep love he held for his family and community.