William Sherwood Wilson

William Sherwood Wilson, Sr, 89, died unexpectedly in Newtown on April 23. He was born in New Haven on September 19, 1915, the only child of William Bernard and Florence Clark Wilson. The family moved to Florida when he was a child. Upon his mother’s death he returned to New Haven to be raised by his Aunt Nettie and Uncle Lou Clark.

He and Jane Andrew were married April 3, 1937, in the Congregational Church on The Green in New Haven. He worked for International Harvester in sales until January 1950, when he began to work for Curtis Box in Sandy Hook in the sales department.

Mr Wilson was an active member of the community and at Newtown Congregational Church, singing in the choir, serving as a deacon, and a member of the church house building committee. He was a member of Newtown Men’s Club, and Rotary Club. In 1948 he was installed in the Masons and was a proud member throughout his life. He enjoyed singing, gardening, and most of all, his family and friends.

In 1977 when Mr Wilson retired from Atlantic Carton, Norwich, he and his wife moved to Englewood, Fla. He was a member of The Venice First Presbyterian Church, and sang in its choir. He also joined a barber shop group that gave concerts throughout the area.

In 1998 the Wilsons returned to Newtown, due to their advanced age, to be with family. He was a volunteer for FISH (Friends In Sandy Hook). He enjoyed retirement and all it had to offer, especially golf.

He had been a resident of Ashlar of Newtown for the past four years. While there he enjoyed the many activities, especially the Wednesday Hymn Sing and the summer evening concerts. He could often be found in the lobby enjoying a cup of coffee and the company of other residents and staff.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 66 years in July 2003.

Mr Wilson is survived by his son and daughter-in law, Joyce and William Sherwood Wilson, Jr, of Harper’s Ferry, W.V.; daughter and son-in-law, Emi and David Lydem, of Newtown; grandchildren, Mark Wilson of Springfield, Vt., Reid Wilson of Wilmington, Del., Debbie Holmes and husband, Dan, Jaclyn Krikorian and husband, Rich, all of Newtown; his great-grandchildren, Salina Wilson, Lily, Hana, and Eli Holmes, and Taylor and Payten Krikorian.

In 1995 he suffered a stroke that robbed him of his independence and speech. Throughout his long recovery he maintained his ever-present positive attitude, always a smile, and always a cheerful, “yes sir.” Life to him was a celebration. He was a devoted husband, father and grandparent. He was and is an inspiration and will be deeply missed.

As per his wishes, his body will be cremated. Mr and Mrs Wilson’s ashes will be buried together. Interment will be private.

Memorial donations may be sent to Newtown Congregational Church Building Fund, 14 West Street, Newtown CT 06470.

The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown, was in charge of arrangements.

The Newtown Bee        April 29, 2005