Donald "Tuffy" E. Chalmers

Donald “Tuffy” Chalmers (1944-2025)
Tuffy Chalmers, 80, of Bath, NY passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 20, 2025.

Tuffy was born in Buffalo NY, to Robert and Mable Chalmers on July 31st, 1944. Shortly after, Robert relocated his family to Bath, NY where Tuffy was raised and attended school. Tuffy attended Haverling Central School District, and at the age of 8, was given his aforementioned nickname, “Tuffy” by a childhood friend, for his toughness on the playground as well as playing fields. It was indeed true of his nature in that Tuffy was a standout athlete for Haverling on the gridiron and especially on the grappling mats where he was Steuben County champion, prior to the introduction of sectionals. At Haverling High School is where Tuffy met his true love, Colleen Brown, in which they married shortly after graduating in 1963. Tuffy and Colleen had two daughters, Colette and Donette “Sue.” Tuffy worked at Taylor Wine Company until their closing, in which he then worked at the Hammondsport American Legion, and perhaps most famously as a Haverling School District bus driver in which he is remembered fondly by many past students.

Tuffy was involved in many clubs and organizations as an active volunteer including the Bath American Legion, Bath Elks Club, Bath VFW, Penn Yan Moose Club, Bath Fire Department, Jaycees, and Hornell Association. He served in the roles of Commander of Sons of Legion, as well as National Vice Commander Eastern District. He also raced stock cars at Woodhull Raceway and operated T & C Car Sales.

Perhaps Tuffy’s most cherished thing in life besides his wife and daughters, and driving them around in his 1967 Pontiac GTO, was the Buffalo Bills. He was a super fan, and could be said the #1 Bills fan of all time. On game days if he wasn’t organizing a bus trip to the game, he would be surrounded by family and friends rooting the team on, through thick and thin. Although he didn’t get to see them raise a Super Bowl banner, he surely is still watching and will see it from afar.

Tuffy was preceded in death by his wife Colleen, as well as Robert and Mable.

He is survived by his wife Maryann; brother Robert Jr, sister Barbara Jean, daughters Colette (Jeffrey) Harrison, Donette (Kevin) Russell; grandchildren Christopher (Jessica) Harrison, Cori (Adam) Coots, Morgan (Tim) Cobb, Garrett (Melissa) Russell, Jacob (Kelly) Harrison, Jordan (Kristy) Harrison; stepchildren Charles (Jessica), Kelly (Austin); great grandchildren Madison, Colton, Lilian, Finnigan, Connor, Lyla, Joshua, Sullivan, and Annslee; step great grandchildren, Atlas, Rowan, Elanor.

Gratitude and thanks to the staff at Robert Packer Hospital, Bath Ambulance, Bath Fire Department, CareFirst NY, and Davita Dialysis. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

As per Tuffy’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral arrangements. Instead, we invite you to come raise a Coors Light and wear your Buffalo Bills gear to celebrate his life at the Bath American Legion on Thursday, July 31st from 3 P.M – 7 P.M.