Robert "Papa" Betz Wilson, Jr, 81, of Sandy Hook died peacefully at Danbury Hospital with his family by his side, September 18. He was born October 3, 1934, in Harlem, Mont., a son of Esther and Robert  Wilson.

He graduated from Harlem High School and went on to serve in the Army National Guard, where he was stationed at the Nike Missile Base in Westport. Upon an honorable discharge, he relocated to Norwalk, where he met his wife of 56 years, Hazel A. Harris.

After living in Norwalk for the early years of their marriage, they moved to their home in Sandy Hook and raised three children. Mr Wilson loved his home and spent many a day tinkering on various projects.

Throughout his career, he worked as a quality control inspector at Sperry Rand Corporation, Edward's Company in Norwalk, and Beaver Brook Circuits in Bethel.

In addition to his wife, his children and their spouses, Leslie and Jeff Hanna of Sandy Hook, Kathie and Mark Obst of Duluth, Ga., and Michael and Susan Wilson of Sandy Hook; sisters Lois Butcher of Chinook, Mont., and Phyllis Rouland of Missoula, Mont., survive Mr Wilson. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Melissa (Hanna) McKee of Monroe, Jeffrey Hanna, Jr, of Monroe, Jason Hanna of Newtown, Tyler Hanna of Monroe, Travis, Ethan, and Eidan Hanna of Sandy Hook, Miryam Wilson of Farmington, and Elisha and Robert Wilson of Sandy Hook. His six great-grandchildren will miss their "Candy Papa." Several in-laws from his wife's family and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly also survive Mr Wilson. Three sisters, Marilyn Kinzle, Helen Bristow, and Judy Bacon; and two brothers, John and William Wilson, predeceased him.

Mr Wilson's favorite hangout was the Blue Colony Diner in Newtown, where he rarely missed a breakfast. The owners and all the employees were extended family to him.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Danbury Hospital staff of the Intensive Care Unit (seventh floor) for the exceptional care they gave Mr Wilson in his final days. Their respect for life and death and their genuine kindness made parting with him so much easier.

Calling hours will take place Wednesday, September 21, from 4 to 7 pm, at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. Services will take place on Thursday, September 22, at the funeral home, at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Zoar Cemetery, Sandy Hook.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse SD 57730-8900, or at crazyhorsememorial.org.