John Thomas Wilson

John Thomas Wilson (“don’t call him, junior, not with those shoulders”, the doctor quipped), was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 1957 to loving parents, Helen & John Wilson and (somewhat reluctant) big sister Kathy. He is preceded in death by his father John Wilson, father-in-law William Sage; grandparents, Thomas and Margaret Kavanaugh and Paul and Katherine Goshey.

John received his B.S. in Geology from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, where he met his (practically perfect in every way) spouse, Carolyn. John had many career adventures after college, starting in soils management in construction, moving into secondary science and math education, then onward to stormwater management, recycling, and natural resources protection at the Department of Defense. He was a geologist by degree, and an environmentalist in practice. He was a lifelong learner and teacher to anybody who would listen. (And I mean anybody.)

John proudly and wholly served his country as part of the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, and like the special person he was, he went back for a second enlistment (yes, deliberately) in service in the US Navy as an “Airdale”, and afterwards as a US Army Reservist.

He was raised and practiced Methodist who absorbed a sprinkle of Catholic inspiration, and had a constant belief that God is bigger than any one faith. But he always preferred singing with the Methodists. Loudly. Very loudly, with his whole heart and soul. He had a beautiful singing voice, whether in church, calling cadence to his brothers in arms, or wooing his bride.

John’s greatest interests were firstly his family. An insanely devoted husband (have you met his wife?) and an unconditionally committed father, who loved his children more than they could ever realize this side of Heaven. (Those big shoulders were always there to carry and protect.) Part of an extensive extended family, he loved and laughed with all. If you knew him, you were ensured a hearty belly laugh. He was an adored son who in the last years of his life talked with his mother twice a day to discuss daily details and share happy memories of a great childhood and family lore. Aside from being an avid naturalist, he was also an amateur war historian whose passion drew his wife into the study of history. (Those who knew her in her early years will find great merriment in this.)

Family, laughter, love, learning and good food were his passions. John, an annoyingly (she writes with love) bright morning person, would start each day eagerly full of voice and verve. What he actually did with that energy didn’t matter as much as he had the chance to laugh and consume life within and beyond all convention. If one person (spouse, child, friend, stranger) yinged while he yanged, the response would refer back to the Animal House reference, “shut up, they're on a roll.” And he’d let you go. He would surely rib you about something—anything, really—but with kind humor. He would sincerely accept you as you were, without condition. He was a nice guy,

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Wilson; mother, Helen Goshey Wilson, mother-in-law Ann Sage; son, Thomas Wilson (Tiffany Sigo); daughter, Kelly Wilson; grandchild, Maya Sigo; sister, Kathy and Bruce Scileny; in-law Siblings, Suzanne and Dan Johnston, Lawrence Sage, Nancy and David Sciarretta, and Jeffrey and Marcia Sage. He is also survived by beloved pets, Sirabi, Grendel, and grandpuppies, Malcolm and Fiona and cat he never met named Jasper who goes by the clever name of Kitty. He would refer to his number of cousins, nieces and nephews, as in the thousands. (In all fairness, the Gosheys and Sages were quite prolific.) He was the fun relative, who encouraged mischief, bravery, and honesty.

John will be cremated at a small private ceremony at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg, Virginia, followed by one last road trip, with a traditional stop at Sheetz, to what he called home in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Ebensburg Methodist Church (Weather Permitting. As the area is well known for snow and ice, we must plan for the worst and pray for the best.) Interment will take place after the service at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with military honors. Family and friends are all invited to join us at Hoss’s in Ebensburg afterwards (coat and tie not required 😊).

A casual Celebration of Life, we are calling the Rock Party, will take place in the Spring in Williamsburg, Virginia for friends who care to paint positive rocks for my Rock Monkey (that’s what John called himself and other geologists), and share laughter. I would be especially honored if our dear caregivers could attend. So many individuals offered their skill and self in the past four years of End Stage Renal Disease, helping John stay healthy, independent, and encouraged, and the family is forever grateful to every one of you. Details TBA by the above-referenced practically perfect spouse, who if you haven’t guessed by now, is the author of this brief and entirely insufficient memorial.

In Memoriam. To honor John’s memory, thank a veteran. Nothing made John feel more truly honored than when he was offered a simple acknowledgement for his service. (As the Airborne motto shouts from the gut: “All the Way – Hooah”!)

Also, sign up to be an organ donor at the DMV for when your time on this plane is ended. John’s heart, kidney, eyes were well used, but skin can be used in grafts, tendons can help people walk, corneas can help others see, and bone marrow can save lives. (I was unaware how easy it was when they called to confirm and ask if they could take what was useful.)

Rest easy in God’s loving arms, my heart. Your precious family promises to remain strong and laughing in your honor.

Until we are all together again in Peace and Glory.

Carolyn Ann Wilson