Pittsfield – Edward Franklin Chilson, 58, of Cheshire, died Tuesday April 19, 2016 at the Berkshire Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Born in North Adams on April 6, 1958, the son of the late Frank S. and Esther P. Putnam Chilson. Ed was educated in local schools and was a 1976 graduate of Drury High School and a 1978 graduate of Greenfield Community College.

Ed was a local self-employed land developer for forty plus years and specialized in subdividing real-estate and developing it appropriately.

Ed was an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a proud member of the National Rifle Association (NRA). He was a loving father brother and friend.

Ed is survived by his daughter; Esther Rose Chilson of Berkshire, MA; his fiancé; Molly Blanchard Casbeer of Cheshire, MA; his sister; Nancy Jane Donnelly of Dalton, MA; his brothers; Arnold "Skippy" Clough and his wife Julie of Rutland, VT; Richard Clough and his wife Lynn of Annapolis, MD; Lawrence E. Chilson and his wife Joyce of Middleton, NH; David F. Chilson and his wife Deirdre of North Adams, MA; his former wife Candida M. Rufo of Berkshire, MA, his stepchildren Caila and Robert, his sister-in-law; Carolyn Chilson of Buckland, MA and many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was predeceased by his brother Frank Stanley Chilson who died March 29, 2008.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for Edward Franklin Chilson who died April 19, 2016 will be held Saturday April 23rd at 1030 AM at the DERY-CHESHIRE FUNERAL HOME in CHESHIRE. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery in North Adams. Calling hours will be held TODAY FRIDAY APRIL 22, 2016 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers memorial donations in memory of Ed may be made to the Esther Rose Chilson Education Fund established at Greylock Federal Credit Union (660 Merrill Road, Pittsfield) in care of the DERY-CHESHIRE FUNERAL HOME, 121 North State Road, Cheshire, MA 01225.