4
trees
planted in memory of Frank J. Wilson
Obituary for Frank J. Wilson
Frank J. Wilson, 85 of Windham, passed away Sunday April 5, 2020 at St. Joseph Living Center. He was the son of the late Louis and Mary (Tyler) Wilson.
Born 10/24/34 Frank grew-up on the family farm in Montrose, PA. As a youth he was involved in many activities in his school, church and community. He excelled in academics, music and was extremely active in the Future Farmers of America in high school, so much that he was elected State President of the organization his senior year (1951-52). The following year he was chosen as the FFA National Goodwill Ambassador (1952-53) to the United Kingdom.
Frank went on to study at Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA where he followed his love for agriculture and music. He auditioned and was a singer in the Penn State Glee Club. He worked and studied hard to graduate 1958 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agriculture Education. This led him to his first job teaching Agriculture Science and providing leadership to the FFA students at Chambersburg H.S., in PA. He then pursued a Master’s Degree in Education from University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1966. He continued to teach agriculture in Massachusetts until he directed his attention working for the National Ayrshire Association in marketing, expanding the knowledge of and benefits of the Ayrshire cattle breed to America’s farmers and ranchers.
Frank returned to teaching and moved to Connecticut in 1972, settling down with his beloved wife, Sylvia to raise his family, and teach at Lyman Memorial High School.
It was at Lyman Memorial H.S. in Lebanon, CT that “Mr. Wilson” would make his impression on the hundreds of students teaching Animal Science, serving as FFA Advisor and providing mentorship. His ability to empower his students to reach their potential was remarkable. His dedication to the craft and his students was never limited to the school day. He was one of the reasons the program excelled and his connections to many students and their families continue to this day. He retired early in 1991, but continued to work with adult students for several years after.
In his retirement years he would enjoy working in the yard and tending to the garden, going out to eat, attending musical performances, watching NASCAR on T.V. on the weekends and going-out for Sunday drives. He best loved having his grandchildren by his side; he loved them more than anything and being their “Quacky”.
This gentle, God-loving, caring and wonderful man has left a permanent mark etched on our hearts and will be deeply missed by his wife and best friend of 48 years Sylvia (Amaya) and his daughter Kimberly Wilson-Holton and husband Thomas Holton of Windham , and daughter Ingrid Wilson of Virginia; grandchildren, Gabriela, Alejandra and Catalina Holton, Grace and Kendall Henkins. His imprint will also be felt by his sisters Betty Wilson of Sarasota, FL, and Mary Ann Wilson Robinson of Montrose, PA. along with cousins and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank all the health care professionals from Saint Joseph Living Center for their care of his needs.
To honor Frank, find a way to help friends, family and neighbors in your own communities. Donations may be made in Frank’s name to: Storrs Regional FFA, 1235 Storrs Rd., Storrs, CT. 06268, Lebanon Regional FFA, 917 Exeter Rd., Lebanon, CT. 06249, or W.A.I.M., 866 Main St. Wmct,CT. 06226 .
Services will be private. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com. Bacon Funeral Home 71 Prospect St, Willimantic is serving the family.’
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Born 10/24/34 Frank grew-up on the family farm in Montrose, PA. As a youth he was involved in many activities in his school, church and community. He excelled in academics, music and was extremely active in the Future Farmers of America in high school, so much that he was elected State President of the organization his senior year (1951-52). The following year he was chosen as the FFA National Goodwill Ambassador (1952-53) to the United Kingdom.
Frank went on to study at Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA where he followed his love for agriculture and music. He auditioned and was a singer in the Penn State Glee Club. He worked and studied hard to graduate 1958 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agriculture Education. This led him to his first job teaching Agriculture Science and providing leadership to the FFA students at Chambersburg H.S., in PA. He then pursued a Master’s Degree in Education from University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1966. He continued to teach agriculture in Massachusetts until he directed his attention working for the National Ayrshire Association in marketing, expanding the knowledge of and benefits of the Ayrshire cattle breed to America’s farmers and ranchers.
Frank returned to teaching and moved to Connecticut in 1972, settling down with his beloved wife, Sylvia to raise his family, and teach at Lyman Memorial High School.
It was at Lyman Memorial H.S. in Lebanon, CT that “Mr. Wilson” would make his impression on the hundreds of students teaching Animal Science, serving as FFA Advisor and providing mentorship. His ability to empower his students to reach their potential was remarkable. His dedication to the craft and his students was never limited to the school day. He was one of the reasons the program excelled and his connections to many students and their families continue to this day. He retired early in 1991, but continued to work with adult students for several years after.
In his retirement years he would enjoy working in the yard and tending to the garden, going out to eat, attending musical performances, watching NASCAR on T.V. on the weekends and going-out for Sunday drives. He best loved having his grandchildren by his side; he loved them more than anything and being their “Quacky”.
This gentle, God-loving, caring and wonderful man has left a permanent mark etched on our hearts and will be deeply missed by his wife and best friend of 48 years Sylvia (Amaya) and his daughter Kimberly Wilson-Holton and husband Thomas Holton of Windham , and daughter Ingrid Wilson of Virginia; grandchildren, Gabriela, Alejandra and Catalina Holton, Grace and Kendall Henkins. His imprint will also be felt by his sisters Betty Wilson of Sarasota, FL, and Mary Ann Wilson Robinson of Montrose, PA. along with cousins and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank all the health care professionals from Saint Joseph Living Center for their care of his needs.
To honor Frank, find a way to help friends, family and neighbors in your own communities. Donations may be made in Frank’s name to: Storrs Regional FFA, 1235 Storrs Rd., Storrs, CT. 06268, Lebanon Regional FFA, 917 Exeter Rd., Lebanon, CT. 06249, or W.A.I.M., 866 Main St. Wmct,CT. 06226 .
Services will be private. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com. Bacon Funeral Home 71 Prospect St, Willimantic is serving the family.’
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Services are private.
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