WILDER, Joel Brenner 1934-2017 Of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, a Weston, Massachusetts native, died peacefully in his home on December 4, 2017 at the age of 83. Boston-based, Wilder was a highly respected developer of retail and mixed use developments throughout the eastern United States and Puerto Rico. He was founder of The Wilder Companies and served as Chairman for many years. He served on the Board of Directors of Horizons for Youth, Greater Boston Real Estate Board, and the Beth Israel Hospital. He was notably philanthropic and contributed to Bentley University, the Beth Israel Hospital, Cape Cod Healthcare, Jupiter Medical Center, Pope John's Seminary and the Irish Cultural Society. In 2001 he received his honorary doctorate of Commercial Science at Bentley University, and the Wilder Pavilion is named in his honor as recognition of his contributions. Wilder is survived by his beautiful wife of 62 years, Christina McSweeney Wilder, his brother Jerome Barry, six children: Susan, David, Barry, Tom, Karen, Kathryn and their spouses along with ten grandchildren.

A Mass was held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, in Palm Beach County, FL, on December 16th at 11:30 a.m. Donations in Joel's memory can be made to: St. Patrick Catholic Church, 13591 Prosperity Farms Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL or Bentley University, 175 Forest Street, Waltham, MA, 02452. Condolences may be sent to Christina Wilder, 3106 La Posada Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. You may share memories and express condolences at Aycock-Riverside, www.Legacy.com. There will be a memorial service at Bentley University, Spring 2018 to honor the service and memory of Joel B. Wilder.

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Published by Boston Globe from Dec. 9 to Dec. 17, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for JOEL WILDER

16 Entries

Thalia Logan

December 18, 2017

To Christina and family, Joel was a special person, honest, kind, generous, loyal and very loving of his family and friends. My condolences to you all.

Jim Inglis

December 17, 2017

To Karen,Hort,and the entire Wilder family-my sincere condolences to you all.I am so,so sorry to hear about Joel's passing-.He was a first-class gentleman all the way,and I am fortunate,and proud,to have known him.

December 17, 2017

My condolences to your family. May God give you peace of heart and of mind to get through this trail. PHillippians 4:7

Claudia Rucky

December 17, 2017

Christine, please accept our deepest condolences on Joel passing. Claudia & Nick Rucky

Len Gilman

December 17, 2017

The dictionary defines "Gentleman". It could just as well say "Joel Wilder". I only knew Joel for forty years - not long enough. R.I.P.

Stephen McParland

December 14, 2017

Condolences to all of the Wilders on the passing of Joel. I have wonderful memories of working with Joel. A very warm and caring person.

Eileen and Robert Fine

December 13, 2017

Christina and family,
Our condolences on Joel's passing. He was a gentleman and will be missed.

Monique Elliott

December 13, 2017

My deepest condolences and love to the family. My father always admired Uncle Joey, and turned to him for advice and emotional support. You have a lot to proud of; he led a wonderful life and raised an amazing family. May his memory always be a blessing.

December 13, 2017

My heartfelt condolences to auntie Chris and family on the passing of uncle Joel.
I have lovely memories of Chris and Joel visiting Ireland (Taur & Clonee) He was a very warm caring man & a pleasure to be around. Sending love & support to the family at this difficult time. Love from Margaret Mc Sweeney Twomey & familyxx. Cork Ireland.

Martina Mc sweeney Lynch

December 13, 2017

I have such wonderful memories of Joel Wilder or uncle Joel as we called him, he picked me up at Logan airport in 1985 and made me feel so at home/welcome & encouraged me to experience as much of his beloved Boston as possible. Was taken to a Boston celtics game with auntie Chris & uncle Joel and enjoyed his passion for the game.From lovely trips to Cape Cod & Vermont I will be forever grateful to this kind gentleman & his amazing family.
My heartfelt condolences to auntie Chris and all the Wilder family from all of Brian Mc Sweeney family in Ireland. Rip uncle Joel xxx

Ralph Fleming, Jr

December 12, 2017

Joel was one of the finest Gentleman I had the pleasure of knowing. He will be missed by many. Sending my deepest condolences to Christina and family.

Robert Winters

December 12, 2017

Mr. Joel Wilder was a man I had the great fortune of meeting many years ago. I was introduced to him by his wonderful daughter, KC, and also got the chance to meet his lovely wife as well. What I instantly recognized was his soft and compassionate nature and a keen insight to everything and everyone around him. To say that he had a magnetic personality that surrounded him would be understating the obvious. His kindness to me will always be remembered and he made me feel as if he had known me for many years. They say that the most important quality of a gentleman "is to make those who are in his presence comfortable and composed", then I would say that Joel Wilder was a Master Gentleman. I am so saddened to hear about his passing and my prayers and good wishes are extended to all of his lovely family. May all of the positive and loving memories of this great man always comfort and nourish you forever and a day. I was honored to have known him as a friend.

Dr. Robert and April Winters

December 12, 2017

I have many fond memories of Joel and the Wilder clan in Weston, as I grew up one street away. My heartfelt condolences to my best friend Susan and the rest of the Wilder family. - Joy Sexton

December 11, 2017

The entire Bentley University community is saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Joel Wilder. Our sincere condolences to Chris and the entire Wilder family. Joel and Chris have been extremely generous in their support of Joel's alma mater. More importantly, Joel was a wonderful friend and mentor to so many of us on campus. We will miss him dearly.
Jack Pini
Bentley University

Richard Murphy

December 11, 2017

Rest In Peace my friend Joey. Great journey, well traveled. See you soon.

Michael and Jill Glazer

December 11, 2017

Jill and I were saddened to hear about Joel's passing and we wanted to send our heartfelt condolences to Chris and the entire Wilder family. Joel was a wonderful man with a huge heart and strong love for his family. We have known Joel for over 25 years spending great times with him at Quechee and then later at New Seabury. Her always had a warm smile and a great love of life who cared about all those around him, but more than anything he was proud of his family and their many accomplishments whether as parents, in business, on the golf course and another else they had passion for. We're going to miss his wisdom, his calm, his philanthropic nature and those wonderful oranges and grapefruits we received from Florida for all those years he left New England in the winter. We re proud to have called Joel our friend and we will miss him greatly. Our thoughts are with all the Wilders. Mike and Jill

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