Donald E. Wilson

WEST BOYLSTON/STERLING – Donald E. Wilson, 94, beloved husband of the late Priscilla (Jackson) Wilson, passed away on January 21, 2021 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home in Worcester. The son of Harold and Susan Inez Wilson, Don was born in Attleboro and grew up in Quincy and Lowell, graduating from Lowell High School while World War II was raging.

Don proudly served in the US Army Air Force during the war, under the command of the 3505th AF Base Unit. He went on to graduate from Bates College, married Priscilla, and worked for Wyman-Gordon and other local businesses. In his thirties Don transitioned his career to his real passion, public school teaching. He earned his Master’s Degree in Education at Worcester State College — despite working full time and supporting a household with seven children.

Don devoted decades to teaching K-5 classes in Bellingham, with a focus on special education. Throughout his teaching career Don was known as a gifted and imaginative teacher, adept at finding out-of-the-ordinary ways to inspire children and mentor younger colleagues in his district. At age 60 Don became a pioneer in the use of personal computers and technology in the classroom, continuing to promote the use of PCs in the classroom during his early retirement years.

Don was a devoted teacher and father; family was the center of his life. He and Priscilla lovingly raised 7 children in Northboro and West Boylston, and warmly embraced the sons- and daughters-in-law who helped expand their family to 21 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

In retirement Don blossomed. He and Priscilla enjoyed cruises and European travel, shared activities with their large multi-generational family, and vacations in New England. They took spontaneous trips to Maine or the Cape in search of fresh lobster. He served as a volunteer videographer for his local cable TV station. Don became an unpublished poet, and devoted hours to writing, photography, sketching and watercolor painting. He loved his iPad and his Kindle; created personalized music playlists, wrote a blog, and was comfortable using high-tech assistive devices to help with impaired vision and hearing in his nineties. A remarkable member of the World War II generation…

As a widower Don joined the First Church in Sterling and became an active participant in the Voyagers Club, the weekly watercolor classes and other church activities. He also joined the Sterling Senior Center and shared his “gift of the gab.” He quickly became a beloved member of the Sterling community.

Don leaves behind 7 children who miss him deeply: Christine Thompson, Dana Wilson, Judith Wilson, David Wilson, Daniel Wilson, Carol Boudrieau and Melissa Rondinone. He also leaves his late wife’s twin brother, Harold C. Jackson, Jr.

In addition to Priscilla, his wife of 62 years, Don was predeceased by his two sisters, Janet Thirkield and Marjorie Preston, and his son-in-law, Bruce Thompson.

A private service at the First Church in Sterling will be held for immediate family members. Don will be laid to rest later this spring at Mount Vernon Cemetery in West Boylston beside his beloved wife, Priscilla.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Church in Sterling. Arrangements are under the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, Sterling.