December 19, 1922 – October 27, 2020
In Loving Memory of
David Tilson
Virtual Memorial Gathering was held on January 23, 2021 at 4:00 PM EST
Watch the Memorial Service for David Tilson
David Tilson, beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, died October 27, 2020 at Goodwin House in Falls Church, Virginia. Born December 19, 1922 in New York City to Abraham and Gertrude Tilevitch, he outlived his parents and sister, Annette Feigin, by several years and his wife Vera by over one year. He is remembered as an exceptional man who was a selfless, vigorous, loving person who deeply cherished family and friendships.
In 1950 David married Vera Kassman and moved to Virginia where they raised three daughters. They shared a love of music, art, travel, and theatre. In their later years, they split their time between Virginia and Connecticut at a summer home where they had another community of friends and family and were able to enjoy the many music festivals nearby.
David graduated MIT in 1943 in chemistry. He immediately entered the Army and served in World War II as a captain in the Army Transportation Corp. After the war, he studied in a Masters program for economics at Columbia University but left before completing a thesis to begin working for Air Force Intelligence in Washington, D.C. The majority of his government career was divided between the Agency for International Development and the National Institutes of Health. David served in several cross-agency task forces for three U.S. Presidents. After retiring from the Government, he worked for the National Academy of Sciences for over 10 years, where he ended as Director of the Institute of Medicine with additional shorter appointments at Project Hope and finally as Executive Director of the Southmark Foundation of Gerontology.
David was a very active philanthropist, both donating and volunteering for many organizations. As a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington he served several times on the Board of Directors, on several ministerial search committees, and during the 1960s, on the Social Responsibilities Committee. In later years, he used his knowledge of Gerontology on the Board of the Culpepper Garden Senior Living Community in Arlington, VA. He worked with the legislature in Richmond to open opportunities for Culpepper Garden to provide affordable retirement housing and helped bring in grants to subsidize that housing.
As an avid amateur photographer, David participated in many exhibitions. He also volunteered his time photographing families and events at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington. He was known as the choir photographer due to his wife, Vera, being the choir director. David published several books including one on Aging in Place, and a fund-raising photo collection of portraits and profiles of residents at Culpepper Garden.
David is survived by his daughters Barbara Tilson (Jerry Roberts), Amy Gurri (Martin), Carole Tilson (Steven Miller); grandchildren Adam Gurri (Catherine Finn), David Gurri, Cati Gurri (Harrison Shindler), Jon Miller (Tiffany Liao), Eugene Miller, Ben Roberts, Kate Roberts; and great grandsons Elliot and Max Gurri.
Memorial donations may be made to Culpepper Garden, 4435 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington, VA 22203.
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Not just a renaissance man, but a humane giant and mentor and friend.
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Even in their last few years at Goodwin House, it was clear that Vera and Dave recalled warmly their roles at UUCA. Showing Vera a picture of our Sanctuary–even when she could no longer really speak–made her light up in recognition. And making pastoral visits to Dave–even though he probably didn’t really know who I was–became comfortable when I said, “I’m from UUCA.” I hope they knew–and know, somehow–how very warm their memory is among us.
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Dave and Vera, together, represented the best of UUCA. From my introduction to UUCA, I remember them as vibrant and engaged in the arts, social justice, and the life of the church. I got to know Dave while serving together on the Culpepper Garden Board. Dave was knowledgable and effective in his work at Culpepper Garden. They both lived full and meaningful lives. Our community is better off for having had Dave and Vera spend some time here. Rest in Peace.
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David Tilson was a kind, compassionate and loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend!! I will always our remember our families times together in my youth. David took a interest in me at a young man and provided sound words of wisdom that helped shape who I am today!! His work on moderate income housing at Culpepper Gardens is a legacy that will touch many for generations to come!! He will be missed. RIP
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Dave and Vera Tilson served as twin pillars of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington Virginia for decades. Their talents and dedication to service played major roles in making this congregation of modest size outstanding in progressive social service initiatives, musical performance, and photographic arts in the culturally rich milieu of the Washington, D. C. metropolitan area.
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Dave was such a warm and accomplished man. He shared his gifts generously and was always so cheerful. I have known him for decades through UUCA and joined him and Vera when moving to Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads. I have rarely seen as devoted as husband as Dave was to Vera. Their love for each other was inspiring.
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I got to know Dave through Vera after I joined the UUCA Choir in 1982. We quickly found another connection with our work at different times for the Agency for International Development. However we got to know each other through the Choir, our support for Culpepper Garden and our interest in good governance at UUCA. UUCA benefited greatly from his leadership in these areas as well as many others. I miss him.
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David and Vera lived on our floor at Goodwin House. He had such a zest for life! I remember the excitement as he got ready to have an exhibit of his photographs in the Goodwin House art gallery. He was smart, talented and a devoted caregiver to Vera in her last years.
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Dave just seemed to radiate good cheer and a warm welcoming spirit. He was such a devoted supporter of the Church and especially the choir and the whole music program. Dave’s photography skills were legendary, and his photos documenting the different eras of the Church are a great legacy. He will certainly be missed.
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Dave was the choir photographer and of course attended every concert. I will always remember his warm smile!
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As a member of UUCA involved in various leadership positions, I always appreciated Dave’s support, and advice, for me. And I loved his photography exhibitions!