Mike was deeply loved by his family and friends and just about anyone who was lucky to know him. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Mary’s of the Assumption Council in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Through the work of the Knights of Columbus, Mike was involved in many charitable organizations, giving selflessly of his time to make a difference in the lives of many. Following a successful Mechanical Contracting career of over 40 years in the Washington, DC area, he retired to Florida.
Mike was a true gentleman, a generous, spirited soul who treated everyone with respect, honesty and kindness. A man of great character and honor, who had the ability to find optimism and humor in every day life, even when life wasn’t so easy. He was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle, with an unwavering commitment to his family.
Mike enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved spending time with his wife Rosemary, whether they were gardening, dancing the night away, traveling, spending time with family, or enjoying quiet time at home together. They shared a cherished love story. He was admired and adored by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and his extended large family. Spending time together, celebrating holidays, graduations, weddings, grand babies, milestone events or simply a visit was always filled with engaging conversations, great stories, and lots fun and laughter. These times and just everyday life with him created wonderful memories that will live on in the hearts of his family forever. Mike always wore a warm smile, offered an intentional hug or handshake, and an endearing greeting. He possessed a great sense of humor enjoyed by all. He was a lover of jazz music, an avid drummer who passionately enjoyed playing to Buddy Rich albums and other jazz greats. In retirement, he discovered a creative side, a love of painting and has left us with many beautiful works to cherish.
In recent years, Mike was Vice-President of Chanteclaire Condo Association in Sarasota, overseeing the Beautification Committee and the landscape improvement projects. His lifelong passion for gardening and landscape can be felt throughout the community especially as it blossoms into spring. He was well known and respected by many in the community. His presence will be deeply missed driving through the Meadows on his golf cart, enjoying the beauty of nature, taking care of landscape design and concerns or just sharing life with neighbors and friends. Mike will be fondly remembered and live on through all the vibrant plantings enhancing the beauty of the Chanteclaire community cultivated under his creative care.
He is survived by his loving family, his wife, Rosemary Travers Wilson; children, Michael D. Wilson (Marjie Marvaso Wilson), Kimberlee A. Williams (Frank), Tamara L. Doukas (Steve) and Joshua M. Wilson; brother, Ronald Wilson (Marilyn), sister-in-laws, Jenny Wilson and Patricia Wilson and brother-in-law Barry Gossett; cherished grandchildren, Jason Williams (Jessica), Lauren McPhaul (Jeff), Steven Williams (Erin), Michael Wilson, Stephanie Brunjes (Daniel) and Evan Wilson; and great grandchildren, Declan and Maddox McPhaul and Elijah Brunjes. Mike is also survived by Rosemary's children, Travers Humble (Megan) and Suzanna Limbers; her grandchildren, Kelsea Limbers, Jack Humble and Ellie Humble and many nieces and nephews. Mike is preceded in death by his brothers and their wives, John J. "Jack" Wilson (Joan), Joseph "Bip" Wilson (Barbara), Robert (Bob) Wilson, Paul Wilson; his sister
Mary Gossett and the mother of his children, Shirley Ann Nagle.
A graveside service for Michael will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232, with Father Patrick Wilson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Mike by making a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at JDRF.org
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