Gerald (Jerry) Clyde Wilson, 88, lifelong resident of Bristol, lover of life and our “Superman”. Completed his journey peacefully with the sunrise at home surrounded with his girls and love, on January 7, 2023. Born on October 24, 1934, he was a son of the late Isaac and Eliza Wilson, he spent his childhood on Chippens Hill, roaming the pastures, mooing at the cows, working the farms, and playing carefree with his siblings and Norwalk Avenue friends. In 1954 he joined the army and traveled to Germany, where he was part of Graves Registration, the division that identified soldiers remains and reunited them with their loved ones. Bob Stone, Jerry’s livelong friend, introduced him to his cousin, who became the love of his life Joan B. Fenton. Jerry always said it was “Love at first sight”. Married for 61 years, he stayed by her side until she passed in 2017. Joan and Jerry made their home in Bristol (Ben Street, Marcia Drive, Rowe Place). They created a loving family and had three children. They also welcomed several foster children into their home, including Willie and Suzie Wallace. Their family grew to include three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Jerry was an entrepreneur, and owned several businesses in Bristol, starting with Wilson’s Service Station, J&J Body Shop with John St. Hilaire, Jerry’s Body Shop, and in retirement Flip Your Trash, as Jerry always found treasure in others trash. He became the #5 customer at Liberty Recycling where Jerry was recycling before it was cool! Jerry and Joan spent 20+ years at their cottage in Misquamicut Beach, RI. They called it their “Palace”, and enjoyed soaking up the sun, walking the beach and watching sunsets ~ always together. Jerry was a lifetime member of Prospect United Methodist Church; he became close to Pastor Kim. They had a conversation that he would recall by saying “You are you. I am I. And that’s the way it is”. Jerry loved everyone who came across his path, having conversations with neighbors, he welcomed a friendly moment to make a connection and made everyone feel like a friend. With his hands in prayer, he started his day by saying “I open my eyes, my feet hit the floor and I say thank you for another day!”
Jerry is survived by his son Joel Wilson; two daughters and sons-in-law June and Cliff Schilling and Joy Wilson and Jason Williams all of Bristol, CT; brother Robert (Doreen) Wilson of SC, and sister Debby (Tom) Mangum of Bristol; grandchildren Sarah (Roger) Michaud, Matthew (Lauren) Schilling, and Hope Wilson; great-grandchildren Riley and R.J. Michaud, Zachary and Charlotte Schilling. Jerry was predeceased by his sister Mary Leone and brothers Richard and John Wilson. He was Uncle Jerry to many nieces and nephews.
There will be no services at this time, a Celebration of Life to be announced. The family is very grateful to those who loved and cared for Jerry during his final years. Family and friends are invited to share a photo and leave a condolence message by visiting www.dupontfuneralhome.com
Donations may be sent to Shepard Meadows Equestrian Center in Jerry’s memory (www.shepardmeadows.org). In lieu of gifts, pay if forward, perform a random act of kindness, lead with love ~ honoring the way Jerry lived. He is always with us, whistling, singing, dancing, smiling, and loving every moment.