John Wilkinson Obituary - Newtown, Connecticut | Honan Funeral Home

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Obituary for John M. Wilkinson

Captain John M. Wilkinson

Died peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2014 at his home in Newtown after a short illness. Born in New York City to the late Louis and Grace Wilkinson on October 12, 1928. Devoted husband to the late Caroline N. Wilkinson. Father and best friend to Holly Purcell (and her spouse Mark) of Sandy Hook, Connecticut and Deborah Donnelly (and her spouse Kevin Fisher) of Walnut Creek, California. Adoring grandfather to Alexa Purcell and Kelli, Meggi and Jamie Fisher. Brother to Louis Wilkinson and brother-in-law to Libby Wilkinson of Sausalito, California and uncle to John V. Wilkinson. Brother-in-law to Ruth “Skip” Carey of Fairfield and Uncle to Mike, Matthew, Carol and Catherine Carey and Jim and Mark Kelley.

John grew up in Freeport, Long Island and attended the Coast Guard Academy graduating in 1954. His career in the Coast Guard spanned 26 years and took him from California to D.C. to Hawaii including tours of duty as Captain on the “Resolute” out of Alameda, California and the“Jarvis” out of Honolulu, Hawaii. Unfortunately, John had to retire early and during the next 20 years he went back to college and received a B.S. in Accounting and moved back to the East Coast settling in Norwalk, Connecticut. After retirement, John and Carri were able to enjoy one of their passions, travel. They went on many cruises and enjoyed spending winters in St. Thomas, Puerto Rico or Puerto Vallarta. John will be forever remembered for his dedication to his family, his happy and positive outlook and his sense of humour.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at the Chapel at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. A luncheon will held after the service at 12:00 p.m. at the Officers Club at the Academy. For those interested in attending, please let us know by sending an email to jcwilkinson1@netzero.net. Memorial donations in John’s name may be made to the Coast Guard Alumni Association at USCGA Alumni Association, Class of ’54 Endowment, 47 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 06320. Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main St., Newtown is serving the family.

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