ALBERT O. WILSON

WILSON, Albert O. Jr. Philanthropist Died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday morning exactly twenty-seven days after celebrating his 100th birthday. He was a long time resident of Lexington. Al graduated from MIT in 1938 and worked his entire career as President and CEO of Cambridge-based A.O. Wilson Structural Company whose steel is the bulwark of numerous Boston landmark buildings including the Museum of Science, John Hancock Tower and the Copley Square Pedestrian Bridge. Al served as Director and Treasurer of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, Director and President of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, and Director of the American Institute of Steel Construction. He served as a founding Director of Anchor Capital Advisors in Boston for over twenty years, and he served for many years as a Director of 18 John Hancock Funds. In 1952 Al's father founded The Albert O. Wilson Foundation which is dedicated to supporting numerous Cambridge-Somerville and Boston non-profits, and Al served as Foundation President for over 50 years. Al's dedication to supporting others was manifested in serving as Trustee of Andover Newton Theological School for over 60 years, Trustee of Mount Auburn Hospital, Trustee and President of The Massachusetts Bible Society, Advisory Board of The Salvation Army, President of The City Mission Society, President of the Mass Council of Churchs and numerous other charitable organizations. He was a long time member of Cambridge Rotary and took great pride in never missing a Rotary meeting in 64 years. Al was dedicated to music (primarily singing) his entire life, singing in Choral Groups, choirs and multiple glee clubs. Al was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Carol, his children Mark and Sarah and his brother Donald and sister Anita Hooker. He is survived by his son Raymond of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, his daughter Anita of Bridgewater, New Hampshire and grandchildren Kirk A.O. Wilson, Ned Wilson, Eliot Wilson and Joseph Wilson.

A service of Thanksgiving for Al's life will be held on Saturday December 31st at 2:00 PM at Hancock United Church of Christ, 1912 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The Albert O. Wilson Foundation, One Post Office Sq, Suite 3850, Boston, MA 02109.