David D. Chilson, 73, of Baker Valley Road passed away on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. 2021 at the Buffalo VA Hospital. Dave was born April 10, 1948 in Hornell, the son of the late Ernest H. and Lena Mae (Burdick) Chilson. On December 26, 1968, in Belmont, he married the former Meredith McNinch, who survives.
Dave was a 1966 graduate of Belmont Central High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1966 to 1972, and served in Viet Nam from 1967-1968. Following his military service, he began his career at Alfred State College in 1971, and retired as a Stationary Engineer in 2001. It was then he began working at the Wellsville Campus of Alfred State College as an HVAC Support Staff until 2002. He went back again to the School of Vocational Studies from 2003 until 2020.
Dave was a member and Past Commander of the Herbert DeLong Post 808 American Legion in Belmont, a member of the Allegany County Viet Nam Veterans Organization, a life member of Belmont Volunteer Fire Department, and a member of the Sons of the American Legion. He was the Allegany County Demolition Derby Champ in 1973. “If you need it, he could make it; if you break it, he could fix it!”
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Meredith, two daughters: Denise Chilson of Victor NY and Jennifer (Sean) McMahon of Penfield NY; seven grandchildren: Gates McMahon, Aidan McMahon, Faith McMahon, Maia McMahon, Emma Chilson-Cline, Christopher Chilson Cline, and Jacob Chilson Cline; and an honorary grandson, Va Thorn, three sisters: Marlene (Steve) Cartwright of Belmont, Diane Groves of Corning, and Carolyn (Dennis) Solo of Hornell; two brothers: Rick (Deborah) Chilson of Belmont and Brian (Renne) Chilson of Michigan; as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and two beloved dogs, Nellie and Dulci.
Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and Thursday, June 3, from 11:00 am to 12 noon at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. A memorial service will follow visitation Thursday at noon in the funeral home with Pastor Chris Mattison presiding. Burial with full military honors will be in Forest Hills Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to any charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
