WORCESTER-Richard A. Wilson, Sr. of Grafton Street passed away peacefully at home after a short illness on Monday, February 20th, his 87th birthday, surrounded by his family. His wife of 63 years Doris K. (Wood) Wilson died June 1st, 2004. He is survived by 3 sons, Richard A. Wilson, Jr. and his wife Joanne; James F. and his wife Sharon all of Worcester and Thomas E. and his wife Dianne Wilson of Oak Bluffs, 3 daughters. Kathryn L., wife of Peter H. Smyth, Sr. of Worcester, Doris A. wife of B. Frank Grant III of Greensboro, NC and Linda J. wife of Gary P. Smith of Ashford, CT, 2 brothers Frank Wilson of Charlton and Walter Wilson of Worcester, 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and a great great grandchild. 2 brothers, William and Harry Wilson, and 2 sisters, Ruth Chouinard and Evelyn Beauvais predeceased him.
He was born in Hyde Park the son of William T. L. and Anna E. (Olson) Wilson. Mr. Wilson was a graduate of Commerce High School the Worcester School of Business and Science and was a graduate of X-Ray Technicians School at O’Rielly General Hospital in Springfield, MO, and attended Kansas State College. He was a World War 2 Army veteran serving with the Army Air Corps as a Flight Aerial Navigator. Mr. Wilson had been employed at Fell’s Package Store for over 50 years, serving as manager and treasurer retiring in 1992. He also was chairman of the Lincoln Plaza Merchants, a member of the American Legion and the Air Force Association. Mr. Wilson was past-president of the “Teddy Bears Picnic Club”. He was a life long member of All Saints Episcopal Church, and had been a member of its choir since the age of 9. For the last 20 years he sang with the All Saints Church Alumni Choir, and had developed life long friendships with other choir members. He served as president of the Olde Timers Alumni, and had looked forward to planning and attending the annual luncheon in June.
The funeral is Friday, February 24th with a service at 11:00 AM in All Saints Episcopal Church, 10 Irving Street. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday, February 23rd from 6:00 until 9:00 PM in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the All Saints Choir Camp Fund, 10 Irving Street, Worcester, MA 01609, of the VNA Hospice Program, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608.