Daniel Patrick Wilson

Wilson, Daniel Patrick
FLORIDA - Daniel Patrick Wilson, 76, of the Town of Florida, Montgomery County, N.Y., died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, as the result of a plane crash on Block Island, R.I. In a lifetime marked by purpose, adventurous curiosity, resourcefulness, and gentlemen's humility, Dan was passionate about aviation, veterans' causes, travel (including day trips for the world's most expensive hamburger), and machines of many types.
Known for his industriousness and ingenuity in the pursuit of bringing big ideas to life for the greater good, Dan was involved in numerous civic initiatives that paid tribute to the past and that shall remain well beyond his life for the benefit of future generations. Notably, his most recent involvements included:
Empire State Aerosciences Museum (ESAM) in Glenville, N.Y., where as a longtime member of the Board of Trustees and, most recently, as Museum President; he was instrumental in driving capital improvement projects, securing new equipment and assets, and building deeper community relationships. He loved searching the country and using his powers of persistent persuasion in obtaining the next great museum piece.
Montgomery County Government is where Dan's foray into elected politics began as a Town of Florida councilman. He served on the board of the Montgomery County Industrial Development Agency and, most recently, represented District 5 for nine years as a Montgomery County Legislator. Dan was a dedicated and humble servant.
Town of Florida's Veteran's Park, an outdoor park commemorating American war and veteran history, which includes numerous historically significant military pieces and an exhibit of twisted steel from WTC Tower 2, which is movingly set against the backdrop of a farm silo.
Born in Saratoga Springs in 1948, to Robert David Wilson and Agnes Marion Monroe, Dan graduated from Mohonasen High School (1967), and was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve during the Vietnam War era. He began his career as a union carpenter and progressed into a variety of construction management roles with BBL, which brought him all over the country and facilitated many friendships and stories. He gave his all to his work endeavors as he did to all his involvements.
The Town of Florida 'farm' house, barns, and illuminated silo overlooking the Mohawk Valley that he and his beloved wife, Jill, lovingly restored and made a home was a nexus for holiday meals, sledding, golf cart and ATV rides, and gatherings. It represented what was most important to him: his commitment to his wife, children, granddaughter, extensive family, and wonderfully deep network of friends. Known to be both a jokester and a practical diplomat, a steadfast man everyone could rely on-whether for a zany quip or a ride 300 miles away-Dan was an endless source of ideas, smiles, and positivity. His presiding over this homebase will be sadly missed by many.
Dan truly had a life well lived and he will live on for everyone through his many lasting accomplishments and for those that were fortunate enough to have shared it with him.
Dan is survived by an immediate family who adored him, including his son, Daniel P. Wilson II of Houston, Texas; his daughter, Melinda J. Wilson of N.Y.; and his granddaughter, Ava M. Wilson of Guilderland, N.Y. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Jill Jerry Wilson; and his youngest daughter, Aimee Dara ("Pookie") Wilson.
His siblings include Joseph Wilson, George Wilson, Robert Wilson, Kathleen Smith, and Andrew Wilson. His three older sisters, Dianne Armstrong, Bonnie Marco, and Barbara Goodwin, preceded him in death. He is also survived by his wife's family, including the Mahars and Jerrys, as well as many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department, the Block Island Rescue Squad and Police Department, as well as the numerous agencies involved for their professionalism and courtesy.
A Wake and memorial Celebration of Life will be held at the Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Drive, Glenville, N.Y., on Sunday, August 17, 2025. Gates will open at 2:00 p.m., with a service at 4:00 p.m.
Private family visitation, chapel services, and interment in the family plot will be held at Oakwood Cemetery.
Arrangements are being facilitated by New Comer Cremations & Funerals, Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to ESAM to honor and extend Dan's memory and mission.
To leave special message for the family online, please visit NewComerAlbany.com