David Dean Wilson

1942 - 2024

David Dean Wilson, 81, a resident of Dorset, Vermont, passed away peacefully at his winter home in Venice, Florida, on Monday, June 10, 2024. Survived by his beloved wife Irene (Rene) Schrauth-Wilson, nieces Shelley Whittier, Lori McMaster (David), and nephew Michael Wilson, grandnieces Rachel Whittier (James), Caitlin McMaster (Alexandra), Maya Wilson, and grandnephews Morgan McMaster (Erin) and Ethan McMaster. Dave was preceded in death by his parents Helen Archibald Wilson and Albert S. Wilson, and his brother James A. Wilson.

Dave was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and attended Valley Forge Military Academy, obtained his B.A. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and his Master's in Education from Antioch University New England.

Dave and Rene Wilson co-founded Long Trail School (LTS) in Dorset, Vermont, in 1975. LTS is an International Baccalaureate independent coeducational day school serving students in grades 6-12. Dave and Rene started LTS with four teachers and 14 students. Today the students number 246 with a faculty, administration, and staff of 55. Dave served as Headmaster of LTS for 32 years. Dave and Rene retired in 2007, having devoted their lives to the school, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. Dave and Rene's impact on their students, alumni, and the community is immeasurable. Dave and Rene did not have children of their own, but Long Trail School, and generations of its students, were their children nonetheless. The school will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025. Dave served as a Select Board person in Dorset, Vermont, from 1987 to 1995 and served on the Zoning Board of Adjustment from 2000 to the present.

Dave was an utterly joyful, mischievous, well-read extrovert, and a political junkie. When he walked into a room, he brought light and laughter with him. He had amazing charisma, loved nothing better than to be the center of attention, and was a born leader.

Dave was a devout liberal and always the life of the party. He emanated good humor and would often laugh until he cried. He was totally authentic and transparent. His favorite musicians were Celine Dion, the Moody Blues, the Bee Gees, and Fleetwood Mac.

The value of education was the central theme across generations of his family. Dave's late mother Helen was an elementary school teacher in Wilkinsburg and his late father Albert was a carpenter and a vocational teacher at Beattie Tech. His brother James Wilson was a professor at the University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business for 30 years.

Dave was absolutely devoted to his wife, Rene; they were truly a team and adored and respected each other enormously. Dave had many health issues in the last 8 years of his life, and Rene's loving care of him extended his life considerably.

Dave was born to a Presbyterian mother and a Baptist father. His wife Rene is a devout Catholic (and devout liberal, like all Wilsons). Dave's faith transcended organized religion. His life of selfless teaching and mentoring of thousands of students, and his younger family members, is testament to his life-affirming, service-filled existence.

A service in celebration of Dave's life will be held at Long Trail School on Saturday, August 17, 2024. The time of the service will be provided on the LTS website. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the David D. Wilson Endowment Scholarship Fund, Long Trail School, 1045 Kirby Hollow Road, Dorset, VT 05251.