David R. Wilson

David R. Wilson

October 23, 1941 – November 5, 2025

David R. Wilson passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, from complications during heart surgery. He was born in Flushing, NY, on October 23, 1941, and grew up in Darien, CT, and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from UCONN.

Though he began life as a city kid, Dave discovered his love of animals when he moved to Darien, where he worked at Old MacDonald's Farm. During college and early in his marriage, he milked cows at a nearby farm to support his wife, Rosanne, and their two young children, David and Sheila. After his graduation, the family settled in Torrington, CT, where Dave began his engineering career and welcomed two more daughters, Sandra and Amy. Dave earned his Professional Engineer license and quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Plant Manager for Ingersoll Rand in Torrington, and later led the turnaround of the company's Montreal plant. He then joined the Robert E. Morris Company in a leadership role, introducing a new service line that increased revenue and profits.

In 1970, the Wilson family moved to Litchfield, where they raised a menagerie of animals and became deeply involved in 4-H. Dave and Rosanne, his beloved wife of 45 years, were longtime 4-H leaders known for their commitment to young people and willingness to pitch in wherever needed. Dave joined the Connecticut 4-H Development Fund in 1974 and later served for decades as treasurer of the Litchfield County 4-H Foundation and chair of its scholarship committee. He was continuously inspired by the scholarship applicants.

After their son David's death in a 1986 car accident, the family established the 4-H Calf Chain in his memory, giving other youth the opportunity to raise and show dairy calves. After Rosanne passed from cancer in 2007, her name was added to the program, ensuring their shared legacy would continue to inspire generations of 4-Hers.

Following the tragic loss of his son, Dave left corporate life and launched his own septic system design business. Known for tackling the tough jobs and arriving in his battered old VW, often fashionably late, he took joy in regaling his colleagues with stories or humorous anecdotes. A recognized expert in wastewater management, he spoke at conferences across the country. Intelligent, inventive, and endlessly curious, he earned respect for his integrity and knowledge.

A man of faith and service, Dave was an active member of the Milton Congregational Church for more than 50 years, serving in numerous leadership roles. He also chaired the Litchfield Sewer Commission, served on the Milton Cemetery Commission, and was a longtime Boy Scout leader.

Later in life, Dave found love again and married Eileen Chapman. Though she passed away from cancer within a year, their short time together brought him joy.

Independent and authentic, Dave lived life on his terms. Energetic, he was rarely without a project-making maple syrup, landscaping, and collecting treasures. Often, he gifted Hess trucks to his grandchildren and the children of friends and family. He loved deeply and was endlessly proud of his children, nieces, nephews, and their families.

He spent summers on Lake Dunmore in Vermont in the cottage his grandfather built in 1924. Dave's Fourth of July fireworks displays were legendary, bringing family and friends together.

A lifelong friend to many, Dave was loyal, witty, and resilient and was a man with a hard shell and a heart of gold. He loved fiercely, thought deeply, and gave generously of his time and talents. People could count on him.

Dave was preceded in death by his son, David M. Wilson; his first wife, Rosanne Wilson; and his second wife, Eileen Chapman. His children survive him: Sheila Schick (Brian); Sandra Pyne (John); and Amy Burton (Alexander). He also leaves seven grandchildren: Travers Schick (Kathryn), Graham Schick, Sarah Pyne (Emma), Abigail Pyne (Jordan), Chapin Pyne, David Burton, and Zoe Burton. He leaves one great-grandson Jackson Pyne and siblings Peter, Bruce, and Elizabeth Wilson and many treasured nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The Litchfield County 4-H Foundation, 843 University Drive, Torrington, CT 06790, or The Lake Dunmore/Fern Lake Association, P.O. Box 14, Salisbury, VT 05769.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 am, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at The Milton Congregational Church with a reception to follow at the Milton Town Hall. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, January 2, at Thurston Rowe Funeral Home, 283 Torrington Road, Litchfield.