Horace H. Wilson

HORACE H. WILSON was born in Pilon, Oriente, Cuba, the firstborn to Margaret Jordan and Robert Wilson. He was known to be extremely intellectual and pursued the highest levels of education in his country. As a young man, he developed a love for music and excelled at the guitar and trumpet. He composed his own music and would go on to form a professional band “Los Unicos”, traveling throughout the Caribbean. It was in Jamaica, during one of his gigs that he met the beautiful Pearl Campbell. Pearl eventually traveled back to Cuba where they married on July 19, 1952, and established their family. Six children were born to their union; Esmin, Olivia, Glenn, Eugenia, David, & Esther.

Professionally, he was a gifted carpenter and hydraulics mechanic and worked at the Guantanamo Military Base for many years until Fidel’s regime. Thereafter, he continued his carpentry work locally, taught music and tutored in mathematics.

As the family grew, they regularly attended their neighborhood church, where Horace used his musical talents. Horace was known to all as the sharply dressed musician with the argyle socks.

In 1971 the family migrated to the United States and lived in Brooklyn for a few months. Horace secured immediate employment with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as an Engine Maintenance Mechanic. He worked there for over 30 years until his retirement. His work ethic was always impeccable. The family then moved to Lakewood, New Jersey, where the family established permanent roots.

While his children were important to him, nothing brought Horace more joy than spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They too enjoyed his dry sense of humor, original phrases, and brutal honesty. Holiday dinners and birthday celebrations were favorites in the Wilson family because it allowed for much laughter as each became a stage for Horace-isms. He considered himself beyond blessed to spend time with his family in his latter years, and never ceased thanking God and issuing blessings over the generations of Wilsons he would leave behind.

Horace was predeceased by his wife, Pearl Wilson, his parents, his sister, Cecilin, Cuba; and brother, Agustin, Cleveland, Ohio; and his nephew, Robert Wilson, Florida. He is survived by his children, Esmin Tate (Lawrence), Houston, TX; Olivia Wilson, Toms River, NJ; Glenn Wilson (Maribel), Jackson, NJ; Eugenia Lawson (Eric), Manchester, NJ; David Wilson, Toms River, NJ; and Esther Cooke, Freehold, NJ. Fifteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

As he would always state: “I am a blessed man.” Indeed he was.

Family and friends are invited to the celebration service at Christ Church, 71 Oak Glenn Road, Howell, NJ. on Saturday, March 11, 2023; viewing 9-10 am; Service from 10:00 – 11:30 am. interment to follow at the Ocean County Memorial Park, Toms River, NJ.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andersoncampbellmanchester.com for the Wilson family.