Francis R. Wilder Sr., 92, a longtime resident of Duxbury, passed away at Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin on Tuesday, August 25, 2009. Born in Syracuse, NY, on January 16, 1917, he was the son of the late Roy and Malinda (Cota) Wilder. On September 16, 1937, he married the former Valentina H. Callahan in Waterbury. Valentina predeceased Francis on September 5, 2006.
Francis attended Duxbury schools and was a graduate of Montpelier Seminary. He served with the U.S. Army during WWII. Francis was employed for nearly 25 years by the former Wheeler Chevrolet Co. in Waterbury and served the town of Duxbury as Road Commissioner and Fire Warden. In his leisure time he enjoyed restoring antique automobiles, snowmobiling, camping, hunting, fishing and watching stock car racing at Thunder Road. He was also a member of the "251 Club."
Francis is survived by his children, Betty Marshall and her husband Neil of Waterbury, Ann Barr and her husband Roger of Waterbury, Malcolm Wilder of Duxbury, and Francis "Bubby" Wilder Jr. and his wife Lluana of Waterbury; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. A daughter-in-law, Jane Wilder, predeceased Francis.
Graveside services will be held from the South Duxbury Cemetery on Friday, August 28, at 10 a.m. There will be no calling hours. The family requests that flowers be omitted; rather memorial gifts would be appreciated to Woodridge Nursing Home, P.O. Box 550, Barre VT 05641, or to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston VT 05495. To send online condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com. The Perkin-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury is assisting the family.
