David H. Wilson – 62, lifelong resident of North Reading, died of COVID on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 with his wife of nearly 40 years by his side.
He was born in Winchester, MA on June 19, 1958 to the late Rodger and Clara Wilson of North Reading, MA. He was raised in the house his father built and graduated from North Reading High School in 1976. While David worked in the automotive business most of his years, he was a jack-of-all-trades who could quite literally fix anything.
David liked to be in the background and tried to tell everyone he met that he was a grumpy, old man. But beneath what he thought was a tough exterior was the most generous and loving man. He was a true servant and lived his life to serve God and others, extending beyond his wife and 12 children. He became Papa Wilson to countless, taking them into his home and including them in the many Wilson events. No matter the time of day or how tired he might be, he never hesitated to give of his time, money, skills, and love to anyone who needed it – even strangers he might never see again. In addition to his typical acts of generosity, such as getting under a hood of car in a suit and tie or taking his vacation time to help a friend or church put a roof on their house, he also volunteered his time and van to transport people to his church from various nursing homes and homeless shelters in Boston. He occasionally ran the kitchen for a homeless food service in Haverhill and for years met with guys in local prisons to encourage them and give them hope.
His family was everything to him, especially the love of his life, “Mrs. Wilson” as he affectionately called her. He loved to spoil her however he could and would delight and embarrass his kids by often and randomly pulling her into a dance in their tiny kitchen. He poured his heart and knowledge into his family and taught his kids to love God and each other and, in no uncertain terms, respect and love their mama. He taught them how to work on their own houses and cars. His favorite times were when all his family was together, taking cross-country road trips or a spontaneous day trip to his favorite spot in the White Mountains of NH when his kids were younger, or pool parties and bonfires in the backyard in later years.
He was Grampy – or “Bumpy” – to 18 grandchildren who broke through his attempted grumpy, outside shell and exposed the gentle bear that he was. He went to their ball games, watched their movies, read them books, and toted them around while he was working on a project.
He was a simple man who dreamed big. He loved wide open spaces and dreamed of buying a big RV and exploring the US with his family. He loved to go to the Elks or The Dog and play pool with his daughters or sons or really, anyone who would play with him. He loved to tell dad jokes and would talk to anyone who would listen.
He will be missed greatly by his loving wife of 39 years, Lyn Wilson, his 12 children; Elizabeth (Wilson) Evans and her husband, Greg Evans; Jared Wilson and his five children, Isaiah, Luke, Zachery, Natalia, and GraceLyn; Joshua Wilson, his wife Alicia and their daughter Adalina; Andrew Wilson, his partner Mel Hartrey and their six children, Alexandra Hartrey, Andrew Jr, Chrystopher, Alexis, Haley, and Savannah; Patricia (Wilson) Marchese, her husband Chris Marchese and their four children, Emily, Timothy, Rosalie, and Jonathan; Timothy Wilson, his wife Alexis Street and their son Christian; Daniel Wilson and his son Jackson; Jonathan Wilson; Carolyn Wilson and her partner Rob Leaster; Caleb Wilson, his wife Anna and their daughter Sophie; Nathanael Wilson; and Hannah Wilson, his mother-in-law Margaret Hardy; and his brother-in-law and best friend, Steven Michael Hardy. He also is survived by his three brothers, Gary Wilson and his late wife Gail; Franklin Wilson and his wife Ruth; and Rodger Wilson and his wife Diane. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, sisters and brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and countless friends and “children” who call him Papa Wilson. He is pre-deceased by his parents Rodger and Clara Wilson and his father-in-law Noel Hardy.
A celebration of his life will be held at Trinity Evangelical Church,105 Haverhill Street, North Reading, MA on Saturday, June 5 at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you would honor David by donating to a cause of your choosing. Till we see you again… RIP David, “hun”, Dad, Grampy, Bumpy, Mr. or Papa Wilson. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
I’m so sorry for your loss Wilson family. May the joy of his life bring you all peace.
Mrs. Katherine Fay
The Downs family offers their deepest sympathy to the entire family of David. We grew up, up the street and skated and had wonderful childhood memories of the Wilson’s and then the First Baptist Church where we were all raised. RIP.
I’m so very sorry for your loss My Sincere Condolences To The Family
Being a neighbor of the Wilson family on Chestnut Street, I have very fond memories of them opening their basement where all the kids could change into their ice skates. The Wilson’s took care of all the neighborhood children, by letting us skate on the pond in their backyard. Flood lights and piped in music filled the night. All the boys would play hockey and occasionally let one of the girls play too! Clara was an excellent seamstress and helped out the neighborhood women by repairing and making clothes, draperies etc. for them . The Wilson’s were the type of people who made North Reading a remarkable place to grow up in. Thank You all for the great memories from my childhood. RIP David.
So very sorry for your loss.
Gary,Frank Rodger and the entire Wilson family may the lord help you through your time of sadness.
To Rodger who will always be one of my best friends stay strong my friend
Craig Stedman
Such sorrow in my heart because of the loss of David and the enormous grief the family is enduring. But through all pain I ask all of us would also realize the joy we have knowing David is gazing into the eyes of Jesus who welcomes David home. May God be pouring out his comfort to David’s family and friends.
Lyn and all the Wilson’s, and associated families and friends, please accept my deepest sympathy on this most tragic loss to we here on earth, but great gain to the Heavens. I will miss that grumpy (I too could see through it too) too young man. I will miss Mr. Wilson, as I know all of you will. My heart felt prayers are extended to all. Kevin Minnehan
Gary, I was so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. Prayers to you and all of your brother’s family.
Fran Melanson
We are grateful that we were able to meet him at trinity when visiting there – you are all such a beautiful family – praying for all of you – comfort strength and peace in the days ahead
Cher and Tim stallings
I sure am sorry to hear about David I know it’s been many years. He was just a little kid but I remember Him. Again sorry to hear but we’ll see Him again soon.
Much love and many hugs to the Wilson Family from the Smith Family of Exeter NH. Our many years of working with various members of the family at Christianbook has given us a glimpse of how loved and loving David was, is, and ever shall be. Heaven has gained a wonderful man who will surely be praying for you all. May God greatly bless the repose of his soul, and in so doing bless his family and loved ones.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss! I met Mr Wilson threw Caleb and my son Nick Mawn. Mr Wilson was such a good guy to all the kids and I am honored I got to meet him. You all are in my thoughts and prayers! May He Rest in the Sweetest Peace!
Gary, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sandra (Barry) Guilfoyle
Our condolences to the Wilson Family. We have so many fond memories of spending time with Lyn,
Dave and the family. Dave was a giving man who was willing to help out at the drop of a hat. He will be so missed.
My sincere sympathy to the whole Wilson family. To Gary & Frank will always remember him as the little brother. His parents were pillars of the church, and Clara was like another Aunt to me a very close friend of my mom. May your faith get you thru this difficult time. Barbara (Parker) MacKenzie
To Carolyn and the entire Wilson family. I am deeply sorry to hear about Papa Wilson. I spent many days at the Wilson house my junior and senior year of high school. My last memory with Mr. Wilson was at the Big Dog, I hadn’t seen him in a few years and we caught up over a game of pool. Sending hugs and prayers during this tough time. Love – Julie Dale
Love you Lyn. Sending you and your family prayers for strength and comfort through this very difficult time. I always loved it when David joined us for small group. He imparted wisdom and truth in his own way without taking away the true meaning of the word of Good. He will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences to Rodger, Frank, Gary and the entire Wilson family. I grew up next door to the Wilsons and have many fond memories of David as a kid and all the great times we had with the Wilson family. David and his wife Lyn and his children were a great help and comfort to my parents in their later years as they continued to live next door. Rest In Peace David.
Beautiful words to remember a man loved by so many. Sending love to you all.
I’m so sorry to hear about David’s passing. I was blessed to have only known him for a short while compared to others, but he still made a lasting impact. God rest his soul.
So sorry to hear about David he will be missed by so many. He made a big impact on everyone who knew him and because of how David lived his life this world is a better place. Be strong, hold on to the memories and celebrate his life. Ron Rouillard and Family.
love and giant hugs to all. Its good to be ready to meet the Lord every day. We don’t know when He will call us home. Congrats David on your graduation Praise the Lord.
Dear Lynn, I remember when you and David met, your wedding, babysitting for you, etc. Although life took our lives in different directions, we would reconnect again later. I will always remember seeing the love the two of you shared. It was visible to all who observed you together. I remember my mom saying she could always see in David’s eyes how much he loved you. Sending hugs to you and your family as you gather and comfort each other. Love, Mary
Lyn and children, my heart aches for your loss but rejoices for the time you had with such a wonderful husband, father and friend in your lives. Thank you for your welcoming ways.
Rest In Peace David you will be sorely missed.
Wonderful obituary to read. Didn’t know him well but sending condolences to the entire family he leaves behind. Peter Cote
A life cut way too short, way too soon, but what a loving and positive impact Mr. Wilson had on his neighbors, friends and family during his short life after reading his obituary. Josh, thinking of you and yours during this difficult and painful time. So very sorry for your loss. Your Dad is a wonderful role model for young men everywhere looking for the right path.
My sincere condolences. I am sorry for you loss
The Boucher family is so sorry for your loss. Our prayers.
My deepest condolences to Josh and the entire family.
TB
We are sending our deepest condolence to david wilson and his family, We are sorry for your loss, Our prayers are with you, from paul, alicia and sam penney
Our love and prayers to the entire Wilson family.
The Foote Family, Thalma (Dolly), Warren, Jim, Robin, Peggy and Missy and our families. Oh the memories of growing up together at First Baptist!