Ernest J. Wilkinson Jr.

Ernest J. Wilkinson Jr., of Sudbury, died Saturday, March 10, 2012, at his home. He was born in Fall River, to Ernest J. Sr. and Loverna W. Thyng Wilkinson on May 23, 1927. He grew up in the Fall River area, graduated from Durfee High School and joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he served aboard the USS Pocono. After the war, he received his bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Northeastern University, and his master of science degree from Stanford University. He worked for Sandia Corporation in New Mexico on nuclear weapons development and for GTE in Massachusetts on advanced radar and communications equipment R&D and for Comsat Corp., in Washington, D.C., on satellite communications systems. He had published a number of technical papers and articles on antennas and microwave components and was granted several U.S. patents. He leaves his wife, Ruth (Phillips) Wilkinson, to whom he had been married for 53 years; and two daughters, Donna J. Reid, wife of the late A. David Reid, of Hudson and Karen W. Lowe, wife of Jeremy Lowe, of Vallejo, Calif.; as well as five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. At Ernest's request there will be no calling hours. Following cremation, there will be a private burial. The Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home, Maynard, is assisting with arrangements.