December 17, 2011
Wilson, Paul B.
Paul Brest Wilson of Foxhill Village, 10 Longwood Drive, Westwood, Massachusetts died at home on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, just five days short of his 96th birthday. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ruth Diehl Wilson; his daughter, Judith L. Caruso, of Westwood, Massachusetts and her husband, Richard; his son, Hon. Geoffrey A. Wilson, of Bernardston, Massachusetts and his partner, Eve Blakeslee; and by his two grand-daughters, Katharine R. Wilson of Stuyvesant, New York; and Anne G. Wilson of Amherst, Massachusetts.
Mr. Wilson was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania on December 19, 1915, the son of Ralph and Sarah Brest Wilson. After his mother died when he was two years old, he and his brother, the late Harry O. Wilson of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, were raised by their maternal grandparents. He graduated from Sharon High School in 1933 and Westminster College in West Middlesex, Pennsylvania in 1941.
After being released from war-related work at Westinghouse Electric Company, he served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946 as an officer in the intelligence service, and then held positions at Raytheon Company in Waltham, Massachusetts and at the Elizabeth Arden cosmetic company in New York City. In 1954 he returned to Raytheon as Director of Purchasing, and left that position in 1962 to become the Group Vice President at Gorham Corporation in Providence, Rhode Island, where he was responsible for that company’s electronics and bronze divisions. Subsequently he became a vice president at Nortek Corporation and served until 1974 as President of its subsidiary, Rock of Ages Corporation, which operates granite quarries and a finishing plant in Barre, Vermont.
In that year, Mr. Wilson and a partner purchased a controlling interest in the Sheidow and Williamsburg Bronze Corporations in Kingwood, West Virginia, which they operated successfully, along with several subsequent acquisitions, as Colonial Guild, Limited until 1998, when the enterprise was sold to the York Group and Mr. Wilson retired to his homes in Massachusetts and in Palm City, Florida.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Rather than flowers, contributions are encouraged to either the Preston Memorial Hospital, 300 South Price Street, Kingwood, West Virginia 26537 or to the Friends of the Westwood Library, 668 High Street, Westwood, Massachusetts 02090.
Comments(5)
Paul Wilson was the most loved and cared about friend one could have. He listened with honesty and directed so many with unquestionable wisdom. My deepest sympathy to Pauls family and so many caring friends. Paul will be greatly missed. You all will be in our prayers. Jimmy Nelson
Paul Wilson was a mentor and a friend. He supported his field staff with integrity and care. He will be sorely missed by all of his family, old friends and those he worked so successfully with in the bronze industry. Our love and prayers are with you. Doris J. Kramer
Dear Ruth–I read about Paul in my local paper, the Press Journal in Vero Beach, where you might recall I have lived every since leaving the nothern climate. I Remember well all the good times we had with Rose Owen, and also visiting you in Palm City, years ago. I send you all my sympathy with love. Sorry our paths haven’t crossed for such a long time. Hope the love and attention of your family will be a source of great comfor to you. Fran
I recorded my email address if you wish to get in touch.
Dear Ruth, my heart goes out to you, Geoff, Judy, and Dick! Paul was such a gracious and kind man. I enjoyed so much our conversations those years during events for Annie up at Crotched Mountain and at her birthday parties. My thoughts and prayers are with you. All the Best, Ted
PAUL B.WILSON
A True American Icon! A Veteran who’s service contributed to winning of a World War. A Corporate Executive who rose above the best. Then there is Paul’s most important and lasting legacy. The gift that Paul has bestowed unto his children. The gift of Honor, Integrity and Compassion that shines so brightly through your children in their daily lives. I Salute you Paul B. Wilson, a life well done!
Gods Speed to you Sir. From one Veteran to another.