Obituary of David Randall Bashaw

September 10, 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of David Randall Bashaw, 64, of New York City, announces his passing.
David was born on August 29, 1961 in Fredonia, N.Y. where he grew up. David attended State University's of Geneseo and Cortland . David loved traveling and new experiences. He lived in Rochester on his way to New York City. In the city, he had an expansive professional life: from being an extra in the Metropolitan Opera, to buying and managing a high-end home furnishings boutique, to bartending at exclusive events around the city. Ultimately, David found his niche in public relations, focusing on strategic healthcare communications.
David had a life-long love of nature, plants, and animals. He spent countless hours nurturing the landscape in upstate N.Y., creating a peaceful oasis with his true love, Charles Chilton. David loved pets and showered Jacob, their Vizsla, with affection.
David loved extravagantly, and he was loved extravagantly in return. He cherished his family, and he made a generation of nieces and nephews feel seen and loved with his wide smile and warm wit. He loved babies, and in the last decades he held a whole second generation of children in his arms with laughter and care. His open heart and child-like exuberance are irreplaceable in the family he leaves behind.
David is survived by his devoted partner of forty years, Charles Chilton, his sister Eva Dawn Bashaw (Martha), his brother William Bashaw II and his nephew Will Bashaw III. David is also survived by his adoring sisters in law, Lora Chilton, Lyn Everett (Tom) and Amy Mendzela (Eric). The extended family greatly mourns the loss of their sweet David. David was preceded in death by his parents, William and Betty Bashaw.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the SPCA of your choice in David’s memory would be meaningful.

 

A memorial service will be held in Fredonia at the Rotunda’s Grapevine Railroad on September 20th at 2pm.  Another memorial will be held in New York City, location and date to be announced.