Elmer Anthony Wild Jr.

Elmer had a long career with the U.S. Postal Service starting as a clerk and working his way up the ranks to post master of the Willow Grove, PA station, Director of the Philadelphia Bulk Mail center and as an auditor for the Delaware Valley postal service.He retired after 40 years.Elmer received his BS degree in Accounting from Spring Garden College in the mid 70’s.

In retirement, Elmer and Marie moved from Pennsylvania to Wilmington NC. There he became active in his church’s finance department and spent countless hours volunteering at the Wilmington Senior Center. He was a tax preparer for more than 15 years aiding seniors with tax filing. He was also a model train collector and had an extensive train layout in his home and then at his apartment at Carolina Bay. He shared his love of trains with all of his grandchildren, and nothing made him happier than watching the faces of those who enjoyed the trains.

Elmer was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Marie Wild for 55 years until her passing in 2016. Together they built a strong family unit, having four children, 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild. He and Marie were the quintessential grandparents. They enjoyed watching them grow and took active roles in all of their lives. He was affectionately known as Pop or Poppy to them. In turn, most, if not all of the grandchildren, took on special nicknames that Elmer created that they will not soon forget. He will forever be remembered as a caring son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.

Elmer is survived by his three children, Frank Wild (Kathleen) of Collegeville, PA, Douglas Wild of Huntsville, AL, Nancy Brennan (Kevin) of Wilmington, NC, and was preceded in death by daughter Helen Hazlett (Robert). He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; Maddison Wild, Kristoffer (Mallory) Wild, Kelly Wild, Abby Wild, Kevin (Haley) Brennan, Kate Brennan, Jo Anna Brennan, Brett (Samantha) Moser, Alexa Moser, Christian Hazlett and Nicholas Hazlett.

HIs daughter Nancy was at his side through this journey as were many of her friends who visited Elmer and supported her through rough times. Elmer had his beloved caregiver Darlene who stayed with him every other Wednesday until his passing. Also dedicated to visits was his friend Jennifer, who could always get a laugh out of him even at the worst of times. At the Commons of Wilmington, where he resided for the last year of his life, there was Brenda who would always make sure he had his meals, and particularly his yogurt and apple juice. Finally, hospice caregiver Ella, who uplifted Elmer every time she walked into the room with her big smile and kind heart. He touched the lives of many of the staff at the Commons, always asking them to get a coke out of the mini fridge and just spend some time “with me, the old man.” He will be remembered for his sarcastic wit, and continual requests for a gin and tonic or a cold beer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Elmer can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital through a fund all ready established in the name of Elmer’s late daughter Helen Hazlett:

https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8527277&fr_id=154020&pg=personal