Matthew Joseph Wilder Sr.

WILDER Sr., Matthew J., devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away on November 15, 2015. He was born in Baltimore, MD to Edward Wilder and Elizabeth Loris Wilder. He began his career with the Civilian Conservation Corps and entered the US Army at the beginning of World War II and served through 1945, serving in the South Pacific and the Panama Canal Zone. After his service to our nation as part of the “greatest generation,” he was employed by the Panama Canal Company, a subsidiary of the US Government, retiring as a Lieutenant in the Canal Zone Fire Department in 1971. In 1942, he married Debora and they had four children, Joseph, Matthew Jr., Edward and Deborah. He is survived by his son, Edward and his wife Janelle and grandsons, Matthew III, Justin, Wesley, Jeremey and Jason along with great granddaughters Lily and Summer and most recently great grandson, Jake Matthew Wilder and leaves many nephews and nieces. While he lived his last years in Katy, Texas, he spent most of his retirement years in the Tampa-Saint Petersburg area of Florida and was an avid gardener and shopper who enjoyed membership in “all” the major, wholesale warehouses and loved weekly visits to area flea markets. He “shopped till he dropped,” enjoying every bargaining moment. His last few years were spent at the assisted living center, “The Solana,” now Arbor Terrace. He was especially grateful for the Management and Staff for their caring and loving service, whose efforts made his last year’s a joyous time in Texas. Graveside service will be held 1pm, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015 at Trinity Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers and attendance, please donate to anyone in need of assistance. Arrangements entrusted to Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W. Bearss Avenue, Tampa. www.blountcurrycarrollwood.com