WESTERLO — August David “Dave” Guilzon, a deeply Christian man who led by example, died on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at his residence. He was 81 years old.
He was born in Albany on Aug. 18, 1942 to the late August F. Guilzon and Elizabeth “Betty” J. Rancour. He graduated from high school and continued his education at Hudson Valley Community College where he received his associate’s degree in civil engineering.

He joined the Air Force, stationed in Long Island; Denver, Colorado; and Anchorage, Alaska, and at the conclusion of his service he received an honorable discharge.

During his career, he worked at Bell Telephone Company as well as a drug rehab and narcotics counselor, then for 39 years as national sales manager at Hannay Reels until he retired.

“Dave was a congregant of Westerlo Baptist Church and Delmar Full Gospel Church holding titles of deacon and trustee,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He loved to hunt, fish, go golfing, and most importantly spend time with his family and grandchildren.

“After a long battle with cancer, Dave peacefully passed from this life and has begun his eternal life with Jesus. All praises to God.

“Dave wanted to be known as a person who was always available, who cared, and who made an impact on people for Christ’s sake — in his lifetime he was able to fulfill this vision.

“He was a devoted husband to Carol F. Guilzon for 60 years, a faithful father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.”

The tribute concluded with Psalm 23 from the Bible:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

His family concluded, “To many he will be remembered as a person who led by example — A True Servant.”

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August David “Dave” Guilzon is survived by his wife Carol F. Guilzon; his sister, Cheryl Guilzon; his daughter, Melody Rebeor (Dave) of Westerlo and their children, Stephen (Rachel) Rebeor, Joshua (Danielle) Rebeor, and Zachary Rebeor.

He is also survived by his son Mark (Jodi) Guilzon and their children, Katlynn Guilzon (Alex) Munos, Benjamin (Dani) Guilzon, Daniel Guilzon, and Grace Guilzon (Jeremiah) Soleil, as well as by six great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 South Pearl St., Albany, NY 12202.

A memorial service with military honors will take place in the spring of 2024.

Cards and flowers may be sent directly to his wife at: The Sentinel of Amsterdam, Care of Carol Guilzon, Room 426, 10 Market Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.