John A. (Jake) Wilson died September 20, 2011 at the Edith Nourse Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford after a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Marion J. (June) Wilson with whom he enjoyed 68 years of marriage.
Born in Lynn Massachusetts in 1918, he was the son of Charles and Margaret (Moriarty) Wilson. He attended the Lynn public schools including Lynn Classical High School where he was an outstanding athlete, and a member of Classical’s 1936 State Championship basketball team.
He was a Licensed Practical Nurse employed in a Supervisory capacity at the Danvers State Hospital for more than thirty years. He was an active member of the Danvers State Hospital Employee Association and served a term as President of that organization in the 1950’s. After his retirement from Danvers State Hospital, he worked for the American Income Life Insurance Company then fully retiring in the late 1970’s.
He was a proud US Navy veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. During WWII he was stationed in the Pacific on the island of Guam serving as a Pharmacists’ Mate at a US field hospital. He was stationed at the Chelsea Naval Hospital during the Korean War.
A resident of Danvers since the late 1930’s he was always interested in local politics and area sports teams. He loved attending his grandchildren’s games and events and did so at every opportunity. He was a charter member of the Danvers Touchdown Club and an avid supporter of community based organizations and activities. He was a fan of all the major Boston sports teams and especially the Red Sox and Bruins.
A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather he was very much loved and admired and will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son and daughter in law Robert and Kathleen Wilson, his daughter Jan Wilson, grandchildren John Wilson, Maureen (Wilson) Benvie, Ryan Flachbart, Allyson Flachbart, great grandchildren Megan and Matthew Wilson, his nephew David Blair, and his niece June Valasaty. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Marjorie and Doris.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 9AM in Saint Richard Church, 90 Forest St., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Monday from 5-8PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Burial will be private. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to: ENRM VA Hospital Volunteer Services 200 Springs Rd. Bedford, Ma. 01730 Attn: GREEC Activities 62ABN.