John C. Wilson, Sr. - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

John C. Wilson, Sr.

Born December 16, 1917

John C. Wilson, Sr., age 97, of Wilmington Manor, DE, passed away peacefully at home, while surrounded by his family, on Monday, March 30, 2015.

A native Delawarean, he was born on December 16, 1917, and was a son of the late Leslie Wilson and Emma (Robinson) Wilson. Along with his five siblings, Mr. Wilson was raised in Talleyville. He met the love of his life, Edith (Palmer) Wilson and together, the couple shared 74 years of marriage. A proud veteran, he bravely served his country as a member of the US Navy during WWII.

Mr. Wilson began his career with the New Castle-Pennsville Ferry as a deck hand. He rose to the position of captain and would later pilot the last ferry to cross the Delaware River when the Delaware Memorial Bridge opened in 1951. He later joined the Delaware Memorial Bridge Police, retiring in 1975 after achieving the rank of lieutenant. Following his retirement, he did security work for Delaware Park, Brandywine Raceway and the Port of Wilmington.

Mr. Wilson was a charter member of the Wilmington Manor Volunteer Fire Company. Active in his community, he gave of his time and talents as a member of the Wilmington Manor Lions Club and was a member of the American Legion Joseph B. Stahl Memorial Post 30. Mr. Wilson will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be dearly missed by all.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Edith J. (Palmer) Wilson who passed away in 2012, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Mr. Wilson is survived by his sons, John, Jr. of Wilmington Manor and Kevin Wilson of Florida; daughters, Carol Hayden of Wilmington, Cheryl Morton of Hilton Head, SC and Deborah Wilson of Wilmington Manor; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Tuesday evening, April 7, 2015 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am on Wednesday morning, April 8, 2015, at St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, Fifth and Harmony Streets, New Castle, DE. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wilmington Manor Fire Company, P.O. Box 645, New Castle, DE 19720.

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12 Condolences for John C. Wilson, Sr.

  • Gene and family, so sorry that your grandfather passed away. Love, the McCracken Family – Rob, Denise, Tammy and Deacon

  • May the grace of God be with you during this time. So sorry for your loss, he lived an extraordinary long life. Rest in peace.

  • My sincere condolences for the Wilson Family

  • So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers to you and yours. May all the wonderful memories and loved shared give you the strength to endure the days ahead!

  • You will be missed Uncle Jack

  • I am very sad and heartbroken over the passing of my grandfather he was one of the greatest influence in my life especially letting me live with him and aunt deb and mom mom for all those years from taken me to school to making sure I had the stuff I need to having fun car rides with mom mom to old new castle and stopping for water ice or even my favorite place to get that Bobbi but best off all I’ll rember going to the slots with you and getting very excited when I hit that golden cow and very blessed that I got to spend that week with you over thanksgiving Landon and I had loads of fun especially you taken him to that auction he had a blast best memory I’ll make sure he never forgets as mom mom always told me when her and I had amazing talks that when you die you be floating on a cloud well pop pop you are on that cloud with mom mom I love you and miss you you always be in my heart forever to we meet a gain love always Edie.

  • Uncle Jack, you were the last remaining Brother and are now together with my Dad Ben, Les and Miller Wilson. May they all rest in peace. So sorry for the loss to the Wilson family and my condolences to all.

  • To the Wilson Children,

    My (Billy) ‘favorite’ memory with your dad, my Uncle Jack, is staying with him a few weeks in the summer

    and he let me steer his tractor.

    Our prayers are with the Wilson family. We hope that as time passes, you will remember wonderful times

    with your dad, and that thoughts of his final days of suffering, will fade. God bless and peace be with you

    all.

    Warmly,

    Mary Beth & Billy Sheing

  • On behalf of my family, Howard Miller and Brandywine Raceway, please accept our condolences with the passing of John. I am Howard Miller’s grandson , Michael. I am writing a book on Brandywine and have come across John’s name on rosters from Captain Joe DeLousa in the security office. I am unaware of how many year John gave us, but again, Thank you for his years and his experience and wisdom.
    God Bless and RIP John.

  • So many memories, so much love, a life well lived. Someone I will never forget. My favorite uncle.

  • Our sincere condolences for the Wilson Family.

  • Jack, I saw your father’s obit the other day. He was quite a guy. You were lucky to have him so long but its still a sad occasion. My condolences.

    Your old friend , fellow volunteer and neighbor.

    John Cleary