David Emerson

DAVID, EMERSON

David Emerson, 82, a native son of Concord, MA, and a former resident of Coventry and Glastonbury, died (Nov. 24, 1998) in Elizabeth City, NC. He lived in Concord until his retirement to North Carolina in 1987. Mr. Emerson was a co-founder of the Concord Land Conservation Trust, served on the town's Planning Board, Finance Committee and School Committee, was a trustee of the Animal Rescue League of Boston for 25 years, and was active on the Hanscom Field Advisory Committee and the Concord Chapter of the American Red Cross. In 1985, Mr. Emerson and his wife, Mary, were honored as Concord's Citizens of the Year. That same year, Concord's 350th anniversary, he presented to the town the manuscript of the address that his great-grandfather, Ralph Waldo Emerson, had delivered to the town on its 200th anniversary. Mr. Emerson worked for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut, and later as a partner in the Boston investment firm, J. M. Forbes & Company. He was a graduate of Belmont Hill School and Harvard College, Class of 1938. He served with the Civil Air Patrol, the Army Air Force, The Massachusetts Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force Reserve, retiring as colonel in 1971. After moving to North Carolina, he became the executive director of the Albemarie Chapter of the Red Cross, and continued to enjoy flying, bicycling and canoeing. Survivors include, his wife of 58 years, Mary (Cochran); four daughters, Margaret Bancroft of Medfield, MA; Ellen Emerson Kohler of London, England; Lauran Dundee of Stockett, MT; and Amelia Emerson of Norwich, VT; three sons, Alexander F. Emerson of Accord, NY; Daniel C. Emerson of Groton, MA and Raymond Emerson of Concord; a sister, Ellen E. Cotton of Sheridan, WY; a brother, Edward W. Emerson of Camden, ME; nine grandchildren; a great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, William Emerson. A memorial service will be Friday (Dec. 11), 2 p.m., at the First Parish Church in Concord. Concord's town flag will fly at half-staff Friday, Dec. 11th in honor of Mr. Emerson's service to his country and to the town.