John C. Wilson, Sr.

John C. Wilson, Sr., age 97, of Wilmington Manor, DE, passed away peacefully at home, while surrounded by his family, on Monday, March 30, 2015. A native Delawarean, he was born on December 16, 1917, and was a son of the late Leslie Wilson and Emma (Robinson) Wilson. Along with his five siblings, Mr. Wilson was raised in Talleyville. He met the love of his life, Edith (Palmer) Wilson and together, the couple shared 74 years of marriage. A proud veteran, he bravely served his country as a member of the US Navy during WWII. Mr. Wilson began his career with the New Castle-Pennsville Ferry as a deck hand. He rose to the position of captain and would later pilot the last ferry to cross the Delaware River when the Delaware Memorial Bridge opened in 1951. He later joined the Delaware Memorial Bridge Police, retiring in 1975 after achieving the rank of lieutenant. Following his retirement, he did security work for Delaware Park, Brandywine Raceway and the Port of Wilmington. Mr. Wilson was a charter member of the Wilmington Manor Volunteer Fire Company. Active in his community, he gave of his time and talents as a member of the Wilmington Manor Lions Club and was a member of the American Legion Joseph B. Stahl Memorial Post 30. Mr. Wilson will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be dearly missed by all. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Edith J. (Palmer) Wilson who passed away in 2012, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Mr. Wilson is survived by his sons, John, Jr. of Wilmington Manor and Kevin Wilson of Florida; daughters, Carol Hayden of Wilmington, Cheryl Morton of Hilton Head, SC and Deborah Wilson of Wilmington Manor; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Tuesday evening, April 7, 2015 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am on Wednesday morning, April 8, 2015, at St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, Fifth and Harmony Streets, New Castle, DE. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wilmington Manor Fire Company, P.O. Box 645, New Castle, DE 19720.