Edward H. Wilson Jr.

He was born in Keene, NH, September 9, 1938, the son of Frances (Sharkey) and Edward H. Wilson, Sr. A lifelong resident of Marlborough, he attended local schools and was a 1956 graduate of Marlborough High School.

In March of 1956, he joined the Army Reserves, and following graduation from high school, he was called into active duty, serving for six months. Returning home, he transitioned to the Active Reserves where he continued to serve for twelve years, obtaining the rank of Sergeant.

In January of 1957, Mr. Wilson began his work career at Markem Corporation in Keene. He held various positions with Markem including machinist apprentice and several other manufacturing positions including foreman of the machine shop; purchaser of sub-contract parts; special machines; and research and development. He retired from Markem in 1998 after 42 years with the company.

He was very proud of his service to his community, joining the Marlborough Fire Department in May of 1960. He held several positions within the department including firefighter, lieutenant, captain and deputy chief. He was also a fire warden; deputy forest fire warden for the State of NH; and was president of the Cheshire County Forest Fire Association. He retired from the fire department after serving for 42 years. He was also a volunteer hunter safety instructor for the NH Fish and Game Department for 25 years.

Mr. Wilson also held other town positions including emergency management director for several years; a member of the Marlborough Heritage Commission; and supervisor of the checklist.

He was a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Marlborough and the Parish of the Holy Spirit in Keene. He was active as a Eucharistic Minister at church, and also to the homebound and patients at the hospital.

In his free time, Mr. Wilson enjoyed woodcarving, gardening, fishing and hunting, and RV camping. In retirement, he worked at a local farm helping with maple sugaring and caring for a flock of sheep. His greatest joy was time spent with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. The addition to the family of Reid Timothy Symonds in November, 2014, his first great-grandchild, was a special blessing.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Helen E. (Paquette) Wilson of Marlborough whom he married in May of 1961; his children, Christine H. Symonds and her husband, Timothy, of Keene, NH, Catherine M. Perley and her husband, David, of Keene, Carol A. Dexter and her husband, Paul, of Sanbornton, NH; grandchildren, Bryan Symonds and his wife, Sarah, of Spofford, NH, Alyssa Perley and John Perley, both of Keene, Jenna Sanchez and Emilio Sanchez, both of Sanbornton; and a great-grandson, Reid Symonds of Spofford. He is also survived by several cousins, treasured friends and his beloved cat, “Socks”.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 10:00AM at St. Margaret Mary Church, 33 Arch Street, Keene. Burial with military honors will follow in the Meeting House Cemetery, Meeting House Road, Marlborough. Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00PM at the Foley Funeral Home 49 Court Street, Keene.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made in Mr. Wilson’s memory to Home Healthcare Hospice and Community Services, PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431, or to the Marlborough Fire Company, c/o Chief John Manning, PO Box 487, Marlborough, NH 03455-0487.