Michael Anthony Wilson

Michael Anthony Wilson, 48, of Longmont, Colorado passed away at home after a brief illness on December 3, 2022. He was born on June 4, 1974 in Queens, New York. He was the son of Charles H. and Phyllis V. [DiPietro] Wilson. He was the devoted and loving husband of Laurel [Purpura] Purpura-Wilson of Longmont, Colorado. They were married on December 4, 1998. Dear brother of: Charles P. Wilson of Lynbrook, New York; James A. Wilson of East Meadow, New York; Thomas V. Wilson (Alyssa) of Merrick, New York. Beloved Son In-Law of: Robert J. and Liat S. Purpura; Brother In-Law of: David M. Purpura of Fort Worth, Texas; Chloe P. Winkler (James) of Plainfield, Illinois; Meilea Y. Purpura of Carol Stream, Illinois. Uncle of: Scarlett and Xavier Wilson; Atli and Arrius Purpura; Rose Winkler. Nephew of: Barbara DiPietro, Virginia Marsh, Betsy Wilson, and Cecil Wilson. Cousin of: Amanda (Cliff) Crawford and Kenny Wilson. Michael was preceded in death by his Grandparents: Phillip and Margaret DiPietro; Charles and Rebecca Wilson. Mother In-Law: Connie F. Purpura.

Michael was a graduate of Niwot High School in Niwot, Colorado, Class of 1992. After graduating, he returned to his childhood home of Brooklyn, New York. He continued to alternate residences between Colorado and New York until making Longmont his final home in 2003.

Michael first obtained his Commercial Driver’s License in 1996 and worked primarily in the lumber and home supply transportation business thereafter. Upon his final relocation to Colorado, he began a new career in the gravel industry centered mainly around North Metro Denver, during which he worked for numerous private companies before obtaining a position with Boulder County Road Maintenance in 2015, where he remained employed until his death.

In early 2012, Michael and Laurel launched a firewood business which steadily grew to the present day. Over that time, they (often with the help of family members and friends) sacrificed most of their free time to ensure the long-term success of this enterprise.

Despite his size, Michael had the ability to perform highly physical work at a level which rivaled that of most people of ANY size. He left his lasting mark on almost every employer he ever had. His procrastination skills were exceptionally poor—if you didn’t want it done until later, you had better not ask him until later!

When not fixing roads or splitting wood, Michael enjoyed fishing, cigars, and movie dates. He loved relaxing in his sun room during nicer weather. In recent years he had discovered a chipmunk in his backyard—an extreme rarity in Colorado at as low an elevation as the Longmont area. He would put food out for it right outside the sun room so he could watch it from only a few feet away. He enjoyed bringing out all of his garden ornaments every spring. He sometimes ran outside in lightning storms to keep some of them from being damaged. He loved his trees and hated watching them lose their leaves every fall.

Michael was a big fan of maintaining and creating new family traditions. He may have hated winter, but he really loved the Holiday season. He looked forward to the start of Christmas music on the radio and watching the Hershey’s Kisses Bell Choir on TV.

Michael had an incredibly soft heart and could cry watching commercials. He loved any chance he could to make Laurel or his close friends happy. He was not an easily forgettable person. He could seemingly make instant friends with any variety of people he met—coworkers of his or partnering companies, firewood customers, restaurant servers, and many other people he encountered in day to day life.

Michael had a fantastic sense of humor and loved making people laugh. He would regularly play pranks on his co-workers and other driver friends. He was constantly telling ridiculous stories to any audience he could find.

Laurel wishes to honor Michael’s memory through his love of the Longmont Humane Society by purchasing a tile on the shelter’s memorial wall. If anyone wishes to help defray these costs, donations in the form of both cash and check may be brought directly to the services. Donations by check only may be sent by mail to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, 326 Terry Street, Longmont, CO 80501. Checks may be written out to “Longmont Humane Society” or Laurel Purpura-Wilson. Excess dollars will also be donated to the LHS, as contributions to the fund/s of their choosing.

A visitation for Michael was held Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, 326 Terry St., Longmont, Colorado 80501. A rosary will occur Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 6:00 PM, 326 Terry St., Longmont, Colorado 80501. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 3:00 PM, 326 Terry St., Longmont, Colorado 80501.