Russell W. Wilson

Russell W. Wilson, beloved husband and friend passed away December 22, 2016, in Paoli, PA at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Cunningham Wilson, stepdaughter Erin Kirsch (Doug), and his grandchildren Ryan and Kira. He will be remembered by us, his peers, and all who knew him as "Uncle Russ" for his kind heart, unwavering determination, and endless storytelling -- all true signs of a life well lived.

Raised in Coatesville, PA, the son of Russell C Wilson and Alta Withrow Wilson, Russell attended the University of Delaware in 1942. In his freshman year, he and his team excelled in the sport of wrestling during the first year of the team's existence and won the Mason-Dixon Championship for which they were later inducted into the Delaware Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Soon after, Russell enlisted during WWII to become a Naval Aviator and flew carrier-based torpedo bombers. In 1947 he was recruited to attend Harvard College, joined the Hasty Pudding Institute of 1770, graduating in 1950. He then began studies at the Harvard Business School. Russell had remained in the Navy Reserves and his studies were interrupted when he returned to active duty for the Korean Conflict where he was assigned to carrier-based anti-submarine duty. He later graduated with an MBA with a focus on labor relations. In 1956-1957 he was called up again as an aide and special assistant to Admiral Thomas L. Sprague during negotiations for US military bases in the Philippines. He retired from the Navy Reserves as a Lieutenant Commander.

Russell spent his early business career with Container Corporation of America working in Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Venezuela (Union Grafica, S.A.), where he carried out his passion for labor relations and the graphic arts. He later worked with Sunoco Products (Downingtown Paper), Graphco, Globe Ticket, and served on the Board of several venture companies. For several years he was also a member of the Pennsylvania Economy League of Chester County.

Russ was preceded in death by his younger brother, Kenneth and by his first wife, Bessie Hackett Wilson, who he married in 1957 and celebrated 42 anniversaries.

In 2002, Russell married Nancy Cunningham Wilson, who he met through the Philadelphia Harvard Business School alumni group. Both eager to serve the community on issues close to their hearts, together they championed the cause for those with macular degeneration. Russell served on the board of the Delaware Valley Association for Macular Disease, started a local informational meeting group in Paoli, PA in 2005, joined the Lions Club, volunteered with the Association for Macular Diseases, and spoke to community groups throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania to build awareness of this eye condition. For these efforts, Russell was honored by the Lions with the District Governor's Commendation Award and the James E. (Bing) Miller Foundation's Bing Miller Fellow Award.

Russell's family plans for his interment at Arlington National Cemetery and at a later date will host a Celebration of Life Memorial in Paoli, PA.

Donations in his memory may be made for "wrestling squad at the University of Delaware" via checks to the Delaware Wrestling Alliance, Inc., tax EIN of 51-0370928, sent to: “Friends of Delaware Wrestling” 152 Belmont Avenue Smyrna, DE 19977 or to the Association for Macular Diseases, 210 E 64th St #8, New York, NY 10065