David Warren Chalmers

David Warren Chalmers, 96, of East Providence, passed away August 9 at the Rhode Island Veterans Home. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late James and Sarah A. (Mills) Chalmers. He and his wife, the late Lillian E. (McGarry) Chalmers, met in the stag line at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. And, after he converted to Catholicism, they were married on February 9, 1952 at St. Michael’s Church, South Providence.

While growing up in the village of Esmond, Mr. Chalmers worked a variety of jobs including picking blueberries, delivering ice, and as a soda jerk in a local pharmacy. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School, Providence, in 1946.

From 1946-1947, he served in the U.S. Army in Yuma, AZ and Fort Churchill, Canada. After leaving the military, he worked as a plumber for two family businesses, and later became a member of UA Local 51 Plumbers and Pipefitters.

Mr. Chalmers was very active in the East Providence Community. He coached and umpired for East Providence Central Little League, and was a communicant, soup kitchen volunteer, and CYO Basketball coach at St. Martha’s Church. He was a 50-year member of the East Providence #1528 Knights of Columbus, and a life member of Silver Spring Golf Course. Mr. Chalmers had been a member of several duckpin bowling leagues, and once achieved a four badger/four bagger - four strikes in a row - when he was in his mid-eighties.

He and his wife enjoyed ballroom dancing and took many lessons with friends and family. They traveled extensively in and outside the country, and spent many winters in Florida. Sand Hill Cove in Narragansett was a favorite family day trip. Mr. Chalmers enjoyed fishing, and digging for sea clams for his delicious clam chowder. He also enjoyed sharing stories about his life and took pride in his Scottish heritage.

After his retirement, Mr. Chalmers took finance classes at CCRI, and volunteered for many years for the AARP Tax-Aide Program. He also took Johnson & Wales University Chef’s Choice classes which helped him to become a polished baker and cook. His specialities were seafood, pies, and maids of honor tarts.

Most recently, Mr. Chalmers enjoyed the activities offered at the Rhode Island Veterans Home including sailing trips and concerts. In May, he participated in the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

He leaves six children, Susan Marling (Paul) of Millerton, NY, Janet Chalmers-Naglich (Charles) of Stilwell, KS, Ann Marie Chalmers Sabula (Gary) of Barrington, Warren Chalmers (Sharon) and Barbara Chalmers, both of East Providence, and Patricia Chalmers of Bristol; six grandchildren, Kristen Chalmers Cooper, Sarah Chalmers Campbell, Andrew Naglich, Kathryn Chalmers, Ian Sabula, and Emma Richelsoph; five great-grandchildren, Jordan and Brendan Amorim, and Kegan, Sophia and Kaylee Cooper; and several nieces and nephews.

He was the father of the late John J. Chalmers; grandfather of the late Patrick and Peter Marling; and brother of the late James Russell Chalmers.

Calling hours will be Friday, August 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Perry - McStay Funeral Home, 2555 Pawtucket Ave., East Providence. His funeral will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 9:00 AM from the Perry-McStay Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Martha’s Church, 2595 Pawtucket Ave. Burial with military honors will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

The Chalmers family would like to thank the staff of the RI Veterans Home for taking care of our father with such kindness, compassion, and love for the past two years. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI, 02904, or RI Veterans Home Activities Department, 480 Metacom Ave., Bristol, RI 02809 (David W. Chalmers noted in the check memo line).