Carleton C. Dilatush Papers

Carleton Cook Dilatush, the son of Lester W. Dilatush and Merta Cook Bradshaw Dilatush, was born January 27, 1918, in Hamilton Square, New Jersey. On September 26, 1941, Dilatush married Shirley Cain, and together they raised two sons, Tom and Scott, and two daughters, Lee Ann and Mary Beth.

Dilatush attended Rutgers University, graduating in 1940 with a bachelor of science degree in dairy manufacturing. As a student, Dilatush was very active, serving as, among other things, Student Council President, President of Cap and Skull, Captain of the 150 lb. Football team, and editor of the Scarlet Letter yearbook. While attending college, he also completed a Civil Pilot training program through the Civil Aeronautics Association. Later in life, Dilatush was elected a Loyal Son of Rutgers (1967) and served as a charter member of the Board of Trustees of the university (1978-1990) and then as a Trustee Emeritus, 1990 to the present. He also received the Board of Governors' Federation meritorious Award (September 24, 1984) and the Rutgers Alumni Association (RAA) Trustees' Award (May 25, 1985), and the George Hammell Cook Award (April 23, 1998).

Upon graduation in 1940, Dilatush accepted a position with the Armstrong Cork Company, but left the position on leave of absence when he enlisted in the United States Armed Forces on January 16, 1941. After serving as Staff Sargent in veterinary service at Fort Dix, he attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Lee, Virginia, and received commission as a Second Lieutenant QMC (Quartermaster Corp.) in August 1942. Dilatush was assigned to the China-Burma-India Theater, where he served in the Quartermaster Section until November 1945. Following his return to the United States after the war, Dilatush served in the New Jersey National Guard from October 1946 until May 1953. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was awarded the Legion of Merit as a Major when he returned to the US at the end of 1945.

Dilatush rejoined Armstrong Cork Company in 1946, as a salesman for the New York District. He was promoted to Assistant District Manager in 1950 and became District Manager in 1955 and served until 1966. Dilatush eventually was appointed CEO and President of National Cork Co., Keyport, New Jersey, a fully-owned subsidiary of Armstrong Cork Co., in January 1966. He retired on April 30, 1984.

Dilatush has been a staunch and active supporter of Rutgers over the years. His personal contributions have provided scholarships to students, commemorative buildings and markers to the Rutgers campuses, and support to the Scarlet Knights football team. He has been an instrumental figure in the lives of many members of the Rutgers community.