Richard Wilson
April 29, 1915 ~ September 13, 2017
Richard Wilson, who started life in foster care, became an extraordinary husband, father and grandfather, while also rising through the ranks to become a manager at Pfizer International. By the time he retired in 1980 and moved to Mystic, he had traveled throughout North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Dick was born in Arlington, Massachusetts in 1915. After attending Arlington High School, he drove a laundry truck for three years to save money for college. He graduated from the University of Vermont in 1939 with a degree in chemistry and an R.O.T.C. commission. Dick was hired by Pfizer shortly thereafter, but in response to the Pearl Harbor attack two years later, enlisted in the Army Air Corps.
The shining love of his life was his wife, Dottie, with whom he shared a marriage of mutual devotion that spanned three-quarters of a century. The family they created (and that family's families) would ultimately enter fields as varied as writing, music, social work, science, technology, finance, ecology and business.
The family today includes four children: Dee Nelson, of Yonkers, NY: Dana Wilson and his wife Louise of Ithaca, NY; Darleen Wilson and her husband Alan Williams of Lowell MA; and Deborah Burke and her partner Kevin Curry of Mystic; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Though only 5'7", Dick was a true giant in the eyes of all his offspring; his example of generosity, humility and humor will light the way all the rest of their days.
Richard Wilson loved the water...loved the sky...and loved people. From his earliest days, he also deeply loved, and was nurtured by, the church (where he and Dottie met). A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, September 25 at 11 am at the Mystic Congregational Church, 43 East Main Street, Mystic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church in his name.
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