Keith R Jilson

Monson, MA- Keith R. Jilson, 58, died Friday, February 5, 2016 at his home after a long illness. Born in Springfield MA, March 14, 1957 to the Late Ralph A. Jilson Jr. and Inez R. (Skinner) Jilson Kaynor. Keith was  a long time local resident of Monson.
He spent his grade school years on Cape Cod in Yarmouth. This is where Keith developed his deep love and respect for the ocean, spending much of his time on Sandy Neck and Barnstable Harbor. Keith attended and graduated from Cutler Acadamy, in Craftsbury Common, VT . He returned to Springfield and  joined the family business as an optician working at Jilson-Thoren, then eventually became the proprietor of Jilson Opticians on Main St. in Monson, MA. He was a member of the Massachusetts Assoc of Retail Dispensing Opticians, The Rotary Club of Wilbraham Mass, and was a 3rd Degree Master Mason. On his off time, Keith was an avid fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman. His greatest accomplishment is his beautiful daughter Lauren M. Jilson.  He was a pyrotechnic expert, thoroughly enjoyed his family, time out on his quad, and you would be guaranteed a good time, a big laugh and  left with a great story after being in his presence.  Keith was pre-deceased by his brothers Ralph A. Jilson Jr. (Chip) in 1975, and Harry C. Jilson in 2013.

He is survived by his daughter Lauren M. Jilson of Monson, his sister's Patty C. Jilson, Karen J. Jilson, and  brother Kurt S. Jilson all of Florida, his Sister -n-law Susan R. Jilson of Cape Cod, Cheryl H. Benzing of Florida, and his dear friend Julia McLeod of Monson. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews , their spouses , great nieces and great nephews. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

A private family gathering to celebrate his life will ensue this summer on Sandy Neck. A gathering in Monson to honor Keith's life will be announced at a later date by his daughter Lauren M. Jilson. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.