Richard Densmore Chilton

YOUNGSTOWN — Richard Densmore Chilton, 88, passed away Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in the comfort of his home, with his family by his side.

Born May 10, 1937, in Roanoke, Virginia, Richard was the son of the late Claude Davis Chilton and Bessie Alice (Green) Chilton. He was a proud veteran, devoted husband and father, talented guitar picker, gifted storyteller, master mechanic, experienced deck builder, and a man who was strong, determined and persistent.

Richard had a rough start in life. His father died shortly after he was born, leaving his mother to care for him and his siblings while struggling to earn enough to support the family.

Once he turned 17, Richard decided it was time to change his life by enlisting in the United States Air Force. From 1954 until his retirement in 1974, the Air Force provided him with opportunities, skills and leadership that shaped the course of his life.

The Air Force wasn’t the only significant change in Richard’s life after enlisting. About a decade into his service, he met the love of his life, his beloved wife, Ann Francina Hackenbracht. They were married in 1966.

Together, they shared nearly 60 years of marriage and raised three beautiful children. During Richard’s years in the Air Force, he and Ann lived in many places throughout the United States, embracing the life of a military family as his service took them from one assignment to the next. They finally settled back in Ohio, northeast of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton.

After retiring as a skilled aircraft mechanic and flight engineer, Richard took his set of technical skills to Sears in Springfield, where he worked for the next 10 years before a significant heart issue forced him into an early retirement. It’s hard to believe that he lived another 42 years after being told that his life expectancy might only be five years.

Once his children moved out of the house, Richard and Ann ventured back out of Ohio, moving to Arizona and then to Texas. They moved back to Ohio in 2009, settling in Youngstown to be closer to Ann’s sister, Sally. With every new home they moved to, Richard always built a beautiful new deck.

Retirement helped usher in another true talent — storytelling. Richard would regale family and friends alike (really anyone who would listen) with tales of his past, especially from his time in the service.

He shared stories connected to Vietnam, including Air America operations in Thailand, and stories of working nights in Tripoli, Libya, to keep from melting on blistering hot runways in triple-digit heat. He also spoke of trips to Labrador, Canada, where he and his staff nearly froze while prepping and repairing aircraft in frigid, wind-chilled temperatures.

When he wasn’t storytelling, you might find him picking at one of his beautiful guitars, trying to play like one of his musical idols, the late and great Chet Atkins. He greatly enjoyed the time he spent restoring a 1969 Chevy truck with his son, Joe —a project that combined his love of old cars with treasured time spent together.

Richard loved old cars and guns, and he was rarely without a story or a laugh to share.

On frequent occasions, you might find Richard and Ann at his favorite bingo hall, storytelling and talking with locals. Of course, when he was out, he would be sporting his trademark well-worn cowboy boots and either his favorite cowboy hat or his Vietnam veteran baseball cap. He and Ann won enough to keep that activity going.

When not at bingo, Richard could often be found watching an old Western or one of his favorite sci-fi television shows and movies from the 1950s and ’60s. He was also proud of his baseball card collection, especially his Cincinnati Reds.

Throughout his life, you couldn’t find a more determined, persistent or tireless man. Richard had boundless energy and could do things in his 80s that most men half his age wouldn’t try — including, at 84, laying on the ground trimming bushes outside.

He was kind, thoughtful and generous. He loved old cars and guns, and man, could he make you laugh.

But if there was one thing that truly defined Richard, it was his military service. He was so proud to be a veteran and loved speaking to others about his time in uniform. After all, the service transformed him and provided him with the life that allowed him to support his family throughout his long and joyful life.

Richard his survived by his beloved wife, Ann; his daughter, Lisa (Larry) Esquivel of Christine, Texas; his sons, Joseph Chilton of Columbus, William Chilton of Virginia and Dennis Chilton of Virginia; his grandchildren, David Chilton, Matthew Chilton, Joseph Chilton, Cassandra (Adam) Jones, Christina (Kyle) Kelly, Katelyn (Doug) Roberts, Kenzie (Austin) Chilton Henry, Taylor (Amon) Frazier, Brandy Manning, Jacob Esquivel, Eli (Sara) Esquivel, Elisa (Anthony) Peiffer and Matt Rife; many great-grandchildren; his sister, Dottie (Ron) Mullins of Jacksonville Beach, Florida; his daughter-in-law, Theresa Chilton of California; many extended family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his two sons, Jonathan and Jeffery Chilton; a grandson, Eddie Chilton; and his siblings, Clarence “Corky” (Ann) Chilton, Rosemary “Mickey” (Alvin) Spencer and Barbara Jean (Dan) Ramsey.

Family and friends may call from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m.

Interment will follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.

We thought you would live forever. You will be deeply missed by the countless lives you touched daily, especially by your loving wife and family.