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Larry L. Chilson, 86, of Williamsport, a cherished husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
Born in Coudersport on February 2, 1940, Larry was the son of Mark and Clara (Bachman) Chilson.
After graduating from Coudersport High School, he attended Alfred State College on a basketball scholarship for two years before transferring to La Salle University where he played Division I basketball. In 2010, Larry was inducted into the Alfred State College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Following his graduation in 1963, Larry was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served as a company clerk in Germany.
After his military service, he worked for Sylvania and Corning Glass Works before moving to Williamsport to join STEP as associate director of its newly formed Community Action Agency. Over the next 35 years, the agency grew significantly, and Larry eventually became president. He was especially proud of his staff and the services they provided to the community. He retired from STEP in 2006.
Larry had a lifelong love of sports. In 1952, he was a member of the Potter-McKean All-Star Little League team that competed in the Little League World Series. An avid golfer throughout his life, he was a member of the Williamsport Country Club and in 1975, he and his wife, Robin, were club champions in Coudersport and listed in Sports Illustrated's Faces in The Crowd.
Larry's interests extended beyond sports. He was a member of the Eulalia Lodge No. 342 F&AM, Coudersport, and served as past treasurer of Brandon Little League. He was also a member of the Loyalsock Bridge Group and the Knights Hunting Club, and enjoyed bridge and poker games with family and friends. He played drums in a band during high school and was an accomplished piano player.
Above all, Larry was devoted to his family. He loved watching his children and grandchildren excel in their sports endeavors and was their biggest and proudest enthusiast. He shared a special secret handshake with his grandchildren that they will always remember.
Larry will be remembered for his quick wit, positive attitude, gentle and humble manner, and compassionate leadership. He had a quiet strength that made people feel comfortable and valued, often making everyone feel like they were his favorite.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Robin; three children, Corey (Jodi), Curtis (Julie), and Cara Sherman (Channing); five grand and three step-grand daughters, Alexandria, Ethan, Alli, Cyd, Cruz, Cai, Sierra and Ava.
A service to honor Larry's life will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Christ Episcopal Church, 426 Mulberry St., Williamsport.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Larry's memory can be made to any of the following organizations: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675; STEP Endowment Fund c/o STEP, Inc., 2138 Lincoln St., Williamsport PA 17701; Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306; Susquehanna Health Foundation c/o The Gatehouse, 1001 Grampian Blvd, Williamsport, PA 17701.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Sanders Mortuary, Williamsport.
To send online condolences, visit www.SandersMortuary.com.