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David Chalmers Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for David Chalmers
Sponsored by The Chalmers Family.
Michael Raffaele
May 16, 2025
Happy Birthday, David.
Old friends always,
Michael Raffaele
Military Ball - (2/2003) - Anne is flanked by her brothers (Dave and Mark) prior to going to the Military Ball.
November 16, 2009
Mt. Tremblant, Canada - (8/18/2002) - Dave teasing us (as usual) at Mt. Tremblant.
November 16, 2009
Mt. Tremblant, Canada - (8/17/2002) - Dave and Mark swimming off the boat at Mt. Tremblant.
November 16, 2009
Mt. Tremblant, Canada - (8/17/2002) - Dave and Mark on the boat at Mt. Tremblant.
November 16, 2009
Mt. Tremblant, Canada - (8/16/2002) - Dave and Grandma at Mt. Tremblant.
November 16, 2009
Anne's Birthday - (8/8/2002) - Dave is bored waiting for us all to bring on the cake.
November 16, 2009
Mom's Birthday Cake - (6/25/2002) - Dave sing Happy Birthday and serves Mom her cake.
November 16, 2009
Miami - (4/2002) - Dave at the airport with Dad and Anne traveling to Miami.
November 16, 2009
Miami - (4/2002) - Dave loved deep sea fishing.
November 16, 2009
Move-in Day - (8/26/2001) - Dad helps David set up his computer in his dorm at St. Lawrence University.
November 16, 2009
Academy at Swift River - (1/1/2001) - David starts high school at the Academy at Swift River therapeutic boarding school in Cummings, MA.
November 16, 2009
Thanksgiving - (11/1990) - At Grandma's house in Saratoga Springs.
November 16, 2009
Halloween - (10/31/1987) - David and Anne watch their brother, Mark's, Halloween parade at Chango Elementary School.
November 16, 2009
Second Grade - (9/1990) - David's school picture.
November 16, 2009
LaSalle Institute Student - (9/1997) - Here's David in his LaSalle uniform.
November 16, 2009
Easter with Cousin Nicky - (4/1998) - David loves his cousin Nicholas.
November 16, 2009
Cross Country Runner - (10/1996) - Dave ran cross country for LaSalle Institute in the 7th and 8th grades.
November 16, 2009
Christmas - (12/25/1993)
November 26, 2008
Saint Lawrence University - (8/25/2001) - College move-in day. Here he is with his family in front of his dorm at Saint Lawrence University.
November 26, 2008
Sandbridge Beach Vacation - (8/21/2001) - Here he is on the deck of the beach house.
November 26, 2008
Sandbridge Beach Vacation - (8/2001) - David and his family vacationed at Sandrbridge Beach, VA (his favorite vacation spot) after he graduated ASR and just prior to starting college.
November 26, 2008
Costa Rica - (3/14/2001) - Katie & David in the Costa Rican sunset.
November 26, 2008
Costa Rica - (3/12/2001) - Working on a community project in Costa Rica.
November 26, 2008
Costa Rican Family - (3/9/2001) - David loved his Costa Rican family.
November 26, 2008
Graduation from Elementary School - (6/23/1994) - David posed in front of the flag pole on the day of his graduation from Chango Elementary School in the Shenenedehowa Central School District.
November 17, 2008
David's 24th (and final) birthday - (5/16/2007)
November 5, 2008
Dave's Last Fish - (8/2007) - David is showing off the last fish he caught. This one was from a favorite fishing hole in Malta.
November 5, 2008
Dave's 23rd Birthday - (5/16/2006) - Dave is out to dinner with his family to celebrate his 23rd birthday.
November 5, 2008
Uncle Bill's Wedding - (3/2006) - Dave & Sue have a wonderful time at Uncle Bill & Aunt Kathy/s wedding reception.
November 5, 2008
Dad's Birthday Party - (12/14/2004) - Dave and Susan celebrate his Dad's birthday.
November 5, 2008
Bella - (12/5/2004) - Dave and Susan and their new puppy, Bella.
November 5, 2008
Dave's Fishing trip in Miami - (4/2003) - Dave went on a deep sea fishing trip in Miami where he enjoyed helping haul in this mammoth beast. He himself caught a HUGE sailfish that is mounted on what was his bedroom wall.
November 5, 2008
David's Best Friend Michael Moved Away - (8/1994)
November 5, 2008
David and Grandma - (5/29/1983)
November 2, 2008
David's Baptism - (9/17/1983) - Dad holds David on his baptism day. He was baptised at Saint James Church on Delaware Avenue in Albany.
November 2, 2008
David's new neighborhood - (10/2/1983) - This is of us all on the front porch of our home on Ten Eyck Avenue getting ready to go on a walk around the block (David is in the carrier).
November 2, 2008
Move to Albany, NY - (6/28/1983)
November 2, 2008
Move to Albany, NY - (6/28/1983) - Dave moved from Kentucky to NY at 5 weeks of age so that his father could complete a residency program in Anesthesia at Albany Medical Center. This picture is of us all on the front porch (David is in the carrier).
November 2, 2008
Costa Rica - (3/10/2001) - David accompanied his Peer Group from ASR to Costa Rica where he lived among the Ticos and worked on various community development projects.
November 1, 2008
Graduation from ASR - (4/21/2001) - David graduates high school at the Academy at Swift River.
November 1, 2008
Lake Wallenpaupak - (10/15/1983) - David meets Aunt Bernie at Lake Wallenpaupak.
November 1, 2008
20th Birthday - (5/16/2003) - Dave celebrates his 20th birthday with Derek.
October 30, 2008
Discharge from Phoenix House - (6/1/2007) - Dave & Susan at Albany County Drug Court after learning from Judge Herrick that Dave will be discharged from the Phoenix House.
October 30, 2008
Visit from Katie & Matt - (10/11/2008) - Dave's close friends from ASR, Katie & Matt, came to visit his final resting place.
October 27, 2008
Birth - (5/16/1983) - Born in Coldwell County Hospital in Princeton, KY. Resided for 5 weeks in Eddyville, KY. We were stranded in our home by flood waters from Lake Barkelyfor several weeks around David's birth.
October 24, 2008
Calla Bassett
November 23, 2020
I have a photo just inside my door with David on a horse on a beach in Costa Rica. Heavenly but always within our souls. Happy Thanksgiving to your growing and lovely family. Love Callie Bassett
Mark C
October 27, 2019
I have lost my Mom from similar circumstances as David, she happens to be buried in the same area as David, although I don't know David and never did know him, I always walk over to his gravestone when visiting my Mom, I find it both of great sorrow but of comfort and peace, his picture on the beach, on the horse with his beautiful dog is enblazoned in my mind, and portrays the best of times for him, I'm so very sorry for your loss of David at such a very young age, addictions are a hideous struggle for a very many people, please cherish the memories that you have of your Son as it sounds like he touched many many lives, and still does in ways that you probably don't even know, prayers to you and God Bless!
Daniel Cammarata
November 24, 2017
Tragic. He was my first bunkmate at ASR. Just terrible.
Matthew Real
December 2, 2014
David, I miss you every day. Your curiosity, and openness were remarkable. We spent so many hours talking about philosophy, and what life truly means. I still can't believe you are gone. You are with me every day. I miss you so much. so much
November 22, 2012
I'm thinking of the Chalmers family on this Thanksgiving day. You are remarkable people.
Tom Gaughan
Cathy Chalmers
February 9, 2012
Just saying hello and RIP little cousin
Cathy Chalmers
October 30, 2011
Thinking of you cousin Missin you. Love your cousin Cathy
Cathy Chalmers
December 1, 2010
Gone But Never Forgotten!!!
From our thoughts to our memories,
From our days to our nights.
From the east to the west,
From my love that I write.
From the sadness we shed when you went away,But in our hearts and minds you will forever stay.We speak in our dreams, but don't say a word.Life means everything, even to a little bird.Three long years since we last saw you,Three long years of pain and sorrow.Tearful eyes gazed in sadness,
Lowering you in to a hole of blackness.
Shutting out the light that you're never to see,R.I.P.David Julian Chalmers you mean everything to us.
My witness is the sky. Jack Kerouac
Calla Bassett
November 26, 2010
"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." Michelangelo
I saw David in the sky and clouds of Kentucky. That all of you have reached peace. Love Callie
April 17, 2010
Thinking of you every day... <3
Judith Humphreys-Magee
March 31, 2010
Susan and Paul, I am sorry for your loss. I can only imagine what it must be like to lose a child. I feel for you. Sounds like David has issues in his life he was dealing with and I commend him for that. May God Bless him always and keep him safe until you see him again.....
With Deepest Sympathies,
Brian & Judy Humphreys-Magee
Kyra Koneman
March 29, 2010
Wow, I am so sorry for your loss.
Sue
December 21, 2009
Dear Susan and Paul...
I fell upon this website quite by accident and tears flow as I read all the love and I am so sorry for your loss....the pictures, the love...it is all so clear. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas. I have never seen such a loving memorial and it has moved me tremendously. Peace and love extended to you as you have extended it to others ...
Joy Clark
December 7, 2009
David we hold you close in our hearts with all the wonderful memories your created for us.
David - At Peace
Katie Dean
November 27, 2009
Hey Dave,
Yesterday was the two year anniversary of your passing. I thought of you and your family often as I was celebrating Thanksgiving with my family. I hope you've found peace wherever you are, and I wish all the strength and love for your loved ones through this holiday season!
You're still missed David!
Love ~ Katie
Maddi Dudley
November 9, 2009
Dear David, although I have never had the opportunity to meet you, I have thought of you often this past year. Your mom Sue and I were very best friends in junior high and high school. I just reconnected with her recently and it is then that I learned of your passing. My heart was breaking for the loss that my dear friend had experienced. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child but I know that her joy of life and laughter filled you with great moments while you were here. I am thinking of you and your family as the anniversary of your passing approaches. This year, it will be on Thenksgiving Day. You must have been a blessing to all who knew you as I have read many of the entries on this site. May you rest in peace until you and your loved ones are reunited.
Calla Bassett
November 9, 2009
I am watching what remains of the leaves swirl to the ground and falling at my feet. Autumn is a beautiful, yet solemn time of year. David is on the surface of my mind today and I wish to console you for I know the anguish of loss never subsides, perhaps the urgency of the heart break changes form allowing us to move through and on. You all have been full of strength and compassion for all of those around you. God Bless You and find you at peace at this Thanksgiving.
Betsy Raffaele
June 2, 2009
Dear Sue, Please know how often I have thought of you and our beloved David over the past few days. I don't imagine that this year is any easier than last. Mike and I were talking the other night about David and laughing at some of the fond memories that we share. Please know that David will always be in our hearts
God has given you much to bear over the past few years I wish I lived closer to help share your burden. I can't imagine my life or that of my family without the Chalmer family in it. Our days on Hillside Drive were happy ones and I am a better person for sharing those years with all of you
I hope things are going a bit better with your mom and sister. I will talk with you soon My love to all and please know that I will burn a candle tomorrow in honor of David and his birthday
Love and Hugs,
Betsy
Matthew Real
June 2, 2009
Sue,
Thinking of you and your family. Missing David very much but also knowing that he will always be with us. All the winter gear is back in storage now and spring has been soo welcome! I've needed the sunshine back in my life. Also Katie says she posted on Dave's site if you hadn't gotten a chance to see it yet.
Much Love!
Matthew Real
Katie Dean
May 16, 2009
Hey Dave,
Today would have been your 26th birthday...I miss you and think about you constantly. I love seeing the pictures of you when you were little, you were such a happy, loving kid. You can see how much you loved and were affectionate with your mom...that's the Dave I love to remember. You gave the best hugs...you really were one of the greatest friends I have ever had David Chalmers. I only wish I was as great a friend to you, through thick and thin the way I thought it would have been. It's taken me so long to write because I literally can't stand the thought that you're not just a phone call away. Wherever you are today David, celebrate the beauty of your life that touched so many people, myself included. I love knowing that you will forever be the happy, loving, compassionate person that was and is the best of you!
Rest in peace...my greatest of friends!
I will always love and miss you...
Sarah Flaherty
April 28, 2009
Someones birthday is coming :) Miss you
Matthew Real
December 3, 2008
Sue,
I have been thinking of you all everyday. It means so much to me that we are in touch. Thank you for sending me the link to the website. It is done so beautifully and I hadn't been able to get myself on there yet. I hadn't seen the picture of Dave with that huge sailfish before. Esteven and Luis would love to see that picture. I wanted to tell you that David brought me a necklace from Costa Rica with an elephant on it, because I couldn't be there with him, john and katie. I wore that necklace the whole time I was in costa rica and for the first few years after ASR. It has been one of the most meaningful things that I have because I always thought of elephants as a symbol of community, openness, compassion, and family. These are the things I always saw most in Dave. In case you don't watch Animal planet as much as I do, elephants are known to display these qualities to an almost human extent.
I will be thinking of you all through the Holidays and keeping Dave in my heart.
Love ya!
Matthew Real
Cortnie Anderson
November 26, 2008
Dave,
I can't believe it's been a year. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I will forever cherish all of the memories that I have of you and often think back to all the times you made me laugh... I will never forget your smile, the funny faces you used to make and the way you would jokingly mimic people--- it was hilarious. I talk to you often because I know you're watching over all of us and your spirit will remain with all who loved you. I'm still so sad that I was in a rush the last time I saw you and didn't take the time to give you a hug.. I'm sorry. I miss you, please continue to shine down on us and be the beautiful rays that shine through the fluffy white clouds.... (whenever I see that, I think of you shining down on us from Heaven).
Love,
Cortnie
Angela Hart
November 26, 2008
Thank you, Susan.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your Times Union story "Addiction eclipsed 'real David'" continues to circulate...with profound impact on readers.
David attended an Equinox group I was in while overcoming a situational depression that threatened my recovery. David's personal experience, challenges, and group participation kept it green for me.
David's memory evokes profound gratitude -- for my recovery process, which continues to keep me clean and has eliminated numerous mental health diagnosis without pharmaceuticals. His legacy is a precious gift.
Just for today, I will honor David's memory by staying clean another day.
In Loving Gratitude,
Angelina
Angelina Hart
November 25, 2008
365 days.
We played a group game called "Two Truths And A Lie". Each of us would tell two truths and one lie about ourselves. Everyone had to guess which was the lie. OK, Dave... here's my three:
1.) I'm still clean - one day at a time.
2.) Time has brought about many changes in feelings, situations, and perspective.
3.) I'm still miserable and want to die.
Can you guess which one is the lie?
If you need a hint... it's number 3.
Rest in peace, Dave. May your family and friends be granted serenity - this day and every day.
dean hale
November 25, 2008
David,
It's hard to believe it's been a year. I keep your obiturary in my back pocket, I am in recovery it reminds me how powerfull this disease is. I often take it out and show others in recovery who are struggleing it shows us how real this is. I never met you but will never forget you. Rest in peace.
Douglas Finer
November 24, 2008
I cried pretty hard about Davids dilemma. I vaguely remember David at the dining room table and elsewhere when Nancy Fox and I visited your house in Albany sometime around 1986. I vaguely remember playing with him and your other children. In any case, this was my one and only contact with him. He was just a little boy - innocent, curious and sweet. How old was he in 1986? I think it was around Thanksgiving. It was cold outside.
I recently read a book, "A Beautiful Boy." I highly recommend you reading this. This helped me to heal my wounds from Stewart's suicide. In it, the author, the boys dad, recounts all the heart wrenching turmoil he went through in his efforts to save his son's life from his addiction to meth amphetamines. Sure, it's not alchohol, but there is a thread of relationship of addictive behaviours.
I, too, had a serious addiction. I hovered for years in a mind frame of significant mental instability. I am unusual though. I am very close to a full recovery and I am beginning to thrive and be just flat out happy to be alive and participating in a fruitful way in life. I reach out to anyone who is reachable as my form of contribution to the healing of the planet and our brothers and sisters worldwide. Your memorial informations are a healing to everyone who reads it. This I am sure of. Thank you.
Again, I get that David is well. I wish the same for you all too.
I send you holidays hugs and good cheer. Love you guys.
“Happy feels good. Joyful feels very good. Why should we experience this? When you do, you experience the truest, truest, happiness.” Prem Rawat www.wordsofpeace.org
Douglas Finer
Calla Basset
November 15, 2008
Dear David, I think of you a lot and your mother was so thoughtful in the creation of this website. the background music is just right. You are in that splendor encompassed by clouds and rainbows. I hope you are keeping us in your sights and praying for us as we do for you. Love Calla
Cathy Chalmers
November 3, 2008
Dear my loving cousin resting in peace,
It is a year you have been gone now, but always remember my saying Gone But Never Forgotten, Your Cousin Cathy Chalmers In Connecticut.
michael raffaele
October 28, 2008
hello david, it's coming close to a year. i still need to come visit you. i live in colorado now. when i go into the mountains i'm sure all the times we went skiing together will flash in my mind. like the time i went skiing with your family and my skis broke, and when they put me on the lift to take me down the mountain, you and mark were coming up the lift the opposite way, and you thought it was so funny. but then you talked anne into letting me borrow her skis (yes, she was as tall as me) and we rode the mountain together the rest of the day. that's the kind of friend you were. that's the kind of friend anne was.
halloween is in a few days. it'll be hard not to think of all our halloweens when groups of kids knock on my door, acting silly for candy, like we used to, back when life was silly and sweet.
i'm not a very spiritual person, but wherever you are, i hope you are well.
old friends always,
michael
Joy
October 24, 2008
Dearest Sue and Paul, it has almost been a year since David left, but his spirit and love still live in your wonderful family and your love for him.Rejoice in his freedom and the love in his heart, for it is full from your amazing grace.
Dave's 11th birthday present - a bass guitar
July 14, 2008
Dave and Susan
July 14, 2008
Dave at Age 5
July 14, 2008
2004 Dave & Susan
July 14, 2008
2001 Dave at ASR Life Step
July 14, 2008
2001 Dave & Katie in Costa Rica
July 14, 2008
2001 Dave & Katie at ASR Life Step
July 14, 2008
Dave a Scout
July 14, 2008
Another Fish from Dave's Favorite Fishing Hole
June 8, 2008
Dave & Susan 2006
June 8, 2008
Dave & Susan
June 8, 2008
Dave & Susan 2004
June 8, 2008
Mother's Day Hug
June 8, 2008
First Holy Communion
June 8, 2008
Mini Mite Hockey
June 8, 2008
Mike Raffaele
May 16, 2008
Happy Birthday, David.
-MR-
May 16, 2008
<3 Dave, thinking of you today and always.
David's Largest Fish
May 2, 2008
David's First Fish
May 2, 2008
David Kisses Newborn Sister
May 2, 2008
David and his baby sister
May 2, 2008
David Loved to Eat
May 2, 2008
Baby David
May 2, 2008
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