Peter Wilkinson

WILKINSON Peter Wilkinson, age 80 of Fairfield, died on March 26 at the Carolton. He was born October 18, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Theodore "Pete" and Lois Cole Wilkinson and moved in childhood along with his younger sister Susan "Suey" to Bridgeport. Peter graduated from Unquowa School, 1945; Kent School, 1948; Yale University, 1952; and Harvard Law School, 1955. He married Judy Simkins on April 26, 1957, and moved to Fairfield in 1960. He began practicing law as an associate at the law firm of Carter, Ledyard, and Milburn in New York City. Later he became a partner in the law firm of Marsh, Day and Calhoun. This law firm continues today as Brody Wilkinson in Southport. He was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2001 to 2002 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. He was a member of the American, Connecticut, and Greater Bridgeport Bar Associations, the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and was admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court. He retired in 2003. He generously gave free time to numerous organizations, including Bridgeport Area Foundation and Bridgeport Student Ministries, and served as President of a number of organizations including the United Way of South Western Fairfield County, the Fairfield Museum and History Center, and the Rotary Club of Bridgeport. He attended the United Congregational Church of Bridgeport since the 1930's where he served in many capacities, including chairman of the Board of Trustees, Head Deacon, and Moderator. He was honored as a Life Deacon in 1999. He was a loving husband, dedicated father of three sons, and proud owner of many beloved pets. His enthusiasm for sports involved him in many activities, a student sports-caster for Yale radio and a member and officer of several athletic clubs, including the Fairfield Beach Club and the Country Club of Fairfield. Aptly, his favorite quote was from sportswriter Grantland Rice, "For when the One Great Scorer comes To write against your name, He marks - not that you won or lost - But how you played the Game." Those who knew him, know he played very well. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Judy; sister, Susan and her husband, Arthur King of Alta, Wyoming; son, Peter and his wife, Rosie of Norfolk, VA, with their four children, Amy, Emily, Timothy, and Tiffany, and their grandchild, Connor; son, Dan and his partner, Bobby of Los Angeles, CA; son, David and his wife, Monika of Dedham, Mass., with their three children, John, Luke, and Paul; brother-in-law, Dan Simkins of Newport, CA; sister-in-law, Peggy and her husband, Jack Lipincott of Stone Mountain, Ga.; sister-in-law, Sally Taylor of Jacksonville, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of the Carolton for their professional and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Congregational Church, Bridgeport; FSW Inc., Bridgeport; Kent School; or the Fairfield Museum and History Center. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 4, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the United Congregational Church, 877 Park Avenue, Bridgeport. Interment will be private in Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport. The Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield is assisting the family with arrangements. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com