Richard W. Kilson Was Island Summer Resident

Richard W. Kilson, a resident of Newton for more than 37 years and also of Edgartown, died June 26 at the Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton. He was 80 years old.

Mr. Kilson was born in Brockton on Sept. 4, 1923 to the late Charles P. and Mary (Reavis) Kilson.

He attended and was graduated from Brockton High School and went to work as a technician at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In February of 1942, he was enlisted into active duty in the U.S. Navy and was stationed aboard a vessel in San Diego. In 1946 he was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned to Brockton and resumed employment with MIT.

Mr. Kilson worked for MIT for more than 40 years and retired as the director of personnel at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory. He was an amateur photographer and also enjoyed auto mechanics, particularly Alfa Romeos. He had a great love of sailing and also enjoyed classical music. He also loved spending time with his family at their summer home in Edgartown and was proud of his two twin daughters, Nancy Kilson of Brooklyn, N.Y., a partner in a law firm in New York city, and Robin Kilson, a retired history professor who resides in Cambridge.

In addition to his wife and two children, Mr. Kilson leaves a son in law, Martin Klotz, a sister, Glendella Garrett of Newton, and four nieces and one cousin.

A memorial service is being planned for September at a date, place and time to be announced. Memorial contributions in Mr. Kilson's memory may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101 First avenue, Waltham, MA 02451 or the Alzheimers Association, 36 Cameron avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140.

Arrangements are by J.S. Waterman & Sons Funeral Service of Wellesley.