William Leonard Chilson, age 82, of Highland, NY, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026 with his wife at his side.

He was born on June 28, 1943, in Sayre, PA to Leonard and Minnie Chilson.

Bill as he was known by his family and friends was a lifelong railroad employee beginning his railroad career with Lehigh Valley Railroad in Sayre, PA and ending his 38 year railroad career at MTA Metro-North Railroad in Croton-Harmon, NY. He took great pride in his work and made many lifelong friends along the way.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Linda Chilson; his sisters Eleanor (Lou) Brown and Linda (Ted) Williams; his daughters Tina Chilson and Sherri Chilson; his son William Chilson Jr.; and his stepdaughter Laura (Terry) Cuddy. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren Dalton Bizup, Shane Bizup, Aidan Chilson, Dustin Button and Joshua Cuddy; and his great grandchildren Cooper Cuddy, Declan Button, Brynlee Button and Emma Bizup as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brother David Chilson; Stepson David Walters; and his grandson Andrew Cuddy.

Bill truly enjoyed the great outdoors. He loved fishing and walking the rail trails. He especially loved walking the Walkway over the Hudson to see the trains running on both sides of the Hudson River.

Above all, Bill adored his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to support them; whether it was a game, event or a special moment, he was always there.

Viewing/Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM concluding with a funeral service at 1PM at Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, 38 Main Street, Highland, NY. Burial will follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, 342 South Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to a charity of your choice in Bill’s memory.

A gathering for family and friends will take place on Wednesday, May 13th from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, with a service at 1:00 PM, at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 38 Main St. Highland, NY 12528. Burial will follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.