William Francis Wilson Jr.

Bill was the only child of William F. and Lillian A. Wilson, nee Goebel. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Wilson; daughter, Ann Brown; two sons, William Francis Wilson III and Jonathan Wesley Wilson; and three grandchildren, Renee E. Wilson, Rebecca L. Wilson, and Michael W. Brown.

Bill’s adult life was characterized by service to his country, community and family. He entered the U.S. Marine Corp in January 1959, just shy of his 18th birthday. Bill responded well to the structure of the Corp and particularly valued the teamwork and camaraderie. He earned his Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal in 1962 for his service in Cuba during the missile crisis. Bill transitioned to the Marine Corp Reserves in January 1963, but always carried the identity and values of the Marine Corp with him through his life…Sempre Fi. Bill began civilian life as a fire fighter with the New York Fire Patrol during the early 1960’s, but eventually secured employment in suburban West Hartford, Connecticut. He enjoyed a long career in the West Hartford Fire Department, earning promotions until he achieved the rank of Deputy Chief. Bill’s early career was characterized by long hours, arduous shifts, and significant physical demands, while supplementing his income working additional jobs to support his family. Nevertheless, Bill continually strived to better himself and his ability to serve by taking night classes and earning first an Associate in Science in Fire Technology and Administration from Hartford State Technical College in June 1974 and then a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Haven in Fire Science Administration in June 1979. He was also quite proud of the opportunity to earn credentials as an arson investigator after being selected to attend an intense one-month course at U.S. National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Over the course of his career Bill advanced and steadily earned more leadership and management responsibilities, but his passion was working alongside his men and fighting fires.

Bill derived great joy from his family, their beloved dogs, dear friends, and a variety of leisure pursuits. As an only child Bill treasured the extended family that embraced him when he married Karen in 1964. Bill, Karen, and their children made regular sojourns to New Jersey to connect with Karen’s family. He delighted in romping with the kids in the pool, playing chase in the yard, and could always be counted on to be in the middle of the action. Bill loved and appreciated his in-laws, nieces, and nephews, and he relished Millie’s lavish Italian feasts that brought everyone around the table. Always a kid at heart, Bill carved out time from work and study to play with his children, walk his boisterous golden retrievers, do crossword puzzles, and catch breakfast at greasy spoons near and far with good friends. The brutal Connecticut winters encouraged Bill to develop his fondness for cruising in the Caribbean with his lovely wife. Over the years they logged more than 20 cruises during which they delighted in gourmet foods, fancy cocktails, and exotic ports. Retirement in 1994 brought Bill and Karen to sunny Palm Coast, Florida, where they enjoyed many years together. Bill launched into this next phase of his life with enthusiasm, and he and Karen forged new friendships, hosted their children and grandchildren, guided visits to Disney World, and wore out their car traveling north to Virginia to see their grown children and beloved grandkids. He cultivated an interest in photography and filled countless memory cards with photos documenting all parts of his life from the mundane (home repairs) to the heart-warming (the antics of his dogs) to the spectacular (travel, special occasions, and milestones with those he held dear.) As a retiree looking back over his life, Bill frequently said, “I ain’t got no complaints. Life is good. No regrets!”

It is in this spirit of living life to its fullest, unapologetically, and with satisfaction and gratitude, that we celebrate Bill Wilson. In his memory the family requests that you raise a glass and offer a toast to a life well lived…Bill would approve.

A graveside service will be held at Quantico National Cemetery on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 11:30 am.

Online condolences may be sent at www.mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com