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David Kilbourn Obituary
LANCASTER
David C. Kilbourn, 79, died Monday, April 8, 2019, in Clinton Hospital.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nina Kilbourn; son, Seth Kilbourn, of San Francisco; daughter, Susan Savona, and her husband, Lorenzo, of Milton; three grandchildren: Amelia, Jacob, and Isaac Savona; two brothers, Walton G. Kilbourn, Jr. and his wife, Joan, of Lunenburg, and Arthur G. Kilbourn and his wife, Martha, of Valencia Lakes, FL; a sister, Mary Lou Cessford, of Westminster; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his brother, William A. Kilbourn, who died in 2008.
David was born in Clinton and raised in Lancaster, son of the late Walton G. and Gladys F. (Cameron) Kilbourn. He was a graduate of the former Lancaster High School, Class of 1957, and Cushing Academy, Class of 1958. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Norwich University in 1962, before serving with the US Army then went on to earn a master’s degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education from UMass Lowell.
For 35 years before his retirement, David taught Mathematics at Clinton High School and served as chairman of the Math department. A life-long resident of Lancaster, he began his many years of service to the Town of Lancaster on the Recreation Committee, before serving on both the Lancaster School Committee and the Sewer District Commission for more than 20 years each. He was a current member of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau, and current Chair of the Lancaster Agricultural Commission. He was an active, life-long member of the First Church of Christ Unitarian, where he was a member of the choir and served on various church committees.
The joys of his life were his family, teaching, and farming. Spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends brought him great happiness. Teaching and farming were in his blood and fundamental to his life. He was a giant of a man in stature, intelligence and compassion and his wonderful laugh and insight will be sorely missed.
David’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the First Church of Christ, Unitarian, 725 Main St., followed by a reception in the Church Hall. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the Kilbourn family suggests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of one’s choice. McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., Clinton, is directing arrangements. To share a memory of David, or offer condolences to his family, please sign the Guest Book.
Memories and Condolences
for David Kilbourn
Gary Thornbloom
November 6, 2021
David was one of my best teachers at CHS. He brought the best out of his students and i sorely missed his teaching when i left high school. Condolences to his family. Clinton should be proud to have had such a fine Teacher.
Mags Tessitore
May 22, 2019
My deepest sympathy for the loss of a dear friend and family member! I never met your beloved David, but Nina has been a life long friend and now she and their family were blessed by his love ! May God comfort you all as you go forward in life without David by your side, but always close in your wonderful memories.
Lisa D'Ambrosio
April 14, 2019
I first met David & Nina in the 90's when I joined the former Lancaster Choral Society. I re-met them again in 2001 when I joined the Choir at First Church in Lancaster! I'm glad I had the chance to sing with him all these years.
Robin (Scally) Wolfe
April 13, 2019
I remember David during my grammar and high school years in Lancaster - he was my next door neighbor. My prayers and deepest sympathy to the entire Kilbourn family. Fond memories - may he rest in peace.
Dan & Peggy Sweeney
April 13, 2019
We'll remember you as a terrific guy, athlete and friend during our Norwich years. Many of us from the class of '62 will miss you. Gail our deepest sympathies.
Tracey Ryan
April 13, 2019
I have such wonderful memories of David and Nina Kilbourn as a neighbor and friend of his kids. Just as his obituary states, David was gentle and kind. In reading this page, I learned so much more about his qualities as a teacher and former athlete that I never knew! I am so sorry that I cannot attend the memorial service. Condolences to Nina, Susan and Seth.
April 13, 2019
To me Dave will always be "Killer". He will be missed. Yash class of 62.
Ronald Seuss
April 12, 2019
So sorry for your loss. I had Mr Kilbourn for math classes in the early 70's st CHS. I thought he was an excellent teacher and I liked and respected him very much.
Peter S. Romano
April 12, 2019
Dave will always be remembered for his laugh and humor while riding to and from Norwich. He was my shotgun and took over driving now and then. My condolences to his friends and family. He was a great guy.
Art and Sharon Currier
April 12, 2019
David was a rock-solid person who earned the nickname of "Killer" because he was a wonderful man - fun, friendly, full of integrity and a star on the football field at Norwich. His spirit will always be with us !!!!!!!
Sandy Keefe Stockwell
April 12, 2019
My condolences to the Kilbourn family in the loss of Dave. He always had such a great sense of humor and upbeat attitude in our class of 1957.
Kaelyn Phillips
April 12, 2019
Thinking of you all and sending my sincerest condolences.
Nancy McKenzie
April 12, 2019
Dr. Kilbourn was the best Calculus teacher ever. He was intelligent and kind. I remember him making class fun when I took problems so seriously. May he rest in God's Loving Arms.
Karen Gaw
April 12, 2019
My condolences to Mr. Kilbourns entire family. Ive often told HS students in counseling, about having the best teacher ever ... and what that was like. I took geometry with Mr. Kilbourn in the sixties. I always hated math; but this teacher made it so interesting and relevant. Because of his teaching and passion for his work, I learned so much, grew personally and earned a 94 in geometry! Ill never forget him pacing around the room as he talked. Those formulas he brought to life still come in handy today!!!
.... special person
Carol Ann Hamilton
April 11, 2019
I worked with David @ CHS and consider myself a long time friend of the Kibourn family
he always had a twinkle in his eye and wonderful sense of humor.
David will be missed by many and especially by the number of Committees he served on in Lancaster.
May he rest in peace.
Carol Ann Hamilton
John & Debbie Gibbons
April 11, 2019
Dear Kilbourn Family:
We are very sorry about the passing of David. He was a Fine Gentleman, Great Educator, and and a Good Friend to all who knew him.
David had a positive impact on the many students he taught at Clinton High School as well as his many colleagues.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Julie Gage
April 11, 2019
Mr. Kilbourn was a two time teacher of mine at CHS and had a great impact on my life. He taught us a lot of life skills & how to work hard - so much more than just how to solve for x. He was a wonderful, inspirational guy and a fine teacher. My condolences to his family and friends.
David Bartlett
April 11, 2019
To The Kilbourn family,
Extending my deepest sympathy to the entire Kilbourn family in the loss of your husband, father, brother, Uncle and more. Dave was so familiar to all here in Lancaster.
May God Bless him and be with your family during this difficult time.
Most Sincerely,
Dave
Kathleen Guilmette
April 11, 2019
I have many fond memories of David. We were colleagues at CHS. I hope that you find solace in knowing that he roughed many lives.
David Kubick
April 11, 2019
If the true measure of a man's greatness is a life well lived; the learning that comes through years of following your heart, working the earth; and the faith, integrity and love imparted to his family -- then by any measure, he is truly great. David gave more than he ever expected - or wanted - in return. I am privileged to have known him. Peace and love to Nina, Seth, Susan, Lorenzo and Amelia.
Jon and Holly Nosek
April 11, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Karen Kamataris Sutherland
April 11, 2019
On behalf of the CHS Class of 73 and me personally, my deepest condolences to Mr. Kilbourns family. He was a favorite teacher to many sparking life-long interest and careers in math. Also, Dave guided our class in the murky 70s encouraging our desire to be unique while also respecting traditions! I will forever be grateful for his support and the Class of 73 will not forget him.
Janet (Waite) Cyganski
April 10, 2019
One of the best teachers I had at CHS in the early 70's. He touched many young lives and certainly made math come alive.
Sincere sympathy to his family.
Carol Ann Hamilton
April 10, 2019
I have known the Kilbourn family for many years - "dated" Bill, David's older brother which brought me closer to the family.
So may memories which will always be held close to my heart.
My condolences go out to the family.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Carol Ann Hamilton
April 10, 2019
I have known the Kilbourn family for a long time - Bill (now passed) & I worked together @ CHS for many years - and got to know them well as I was often invited to join them for meals at various holidays @ the "farm".
David & I worked together @ Clinton High School.
May he rest in peace
my condolences got out to his family
Diane Lucht
April 10, 2019
So sorry to hear about Mr Kilbourns passing. My husband, Bob, spoke highly of him-both professionally and personally! Thoughts & prayers to the family!
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McNally & Watson Funeral & Cremation Service - Clinton304 Church Street, Clinton, MA 01510