Joseph Paul Wilson peacefully lost his battle with prostate cancer at The Pines in Bristol during the afternoon of Oct. 30th, 2022, one day short of his birthday Oct. 31st, 1946 in Bristol. He was born to Robert F. Wilson and Bernadette "Trudon" Wilson. He graduated from Saint Anthony High School and got his higher education from Providence College in Rhode Island, in addition to taking some classes at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.
Even though his adventurous attitude often drew him towards Arizona and the national parks, he spent his whole life in Bristol with his family, whom he loved so much. He even married fellow Bristol native Pamela "Sirianni" Wilson, his high school sweetheart, on June 8th, 1968. They spent their entire time together, being an example to everyone that knew them of how to truly love and cherish someone in every way you possibly could.
He was a man of many talents. At one point, he had owned and operated a bookstore. The career venture he always seemed most proud of was his time at the Boys Club, and all the kids whose lives he helped shape at that daycare. He was a 10 year member of the Bristol City Council and made an unsuccessful run for mayor. He taught English and History at Memorial Boulevard School and retired from the Farmington BOE where he worked with students with Special Needs. He also worked as a Job Coach Manager at BARC.
Joe's real passion, especially through all his pain, was his family. Besides his wife of 54 years, Joe leaves three children: Kevin (Terry) Wilson of Bristol, Leslie (John) Santry of Lynn, MA and Craig (Tracey) Wilson of Iowa. Nothing made him happier than visits from his kids and his grandkids (Donovan Wilson, Dylan Wilson, Liam Santry, Jasmine Wilson and Jade Wilson) and all of the nieces and nephews, plus his Brother James (Jimmy) Wilson and his sister Deborah (Wilson) James. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Robert (Bobby) Wilson.
Anyone lucky enough to call him family or a friend knew that for Joe, company was better than any medicine any doctor could have prescribed him. Quality time was his number one priority as his sickness became greater. He also was very passionate about sports. Celtics and Red Sox were always on TV and for himself, he was a catcher for American Legion and Captain of his High School Soccer team at St. Anthony High School. His Celtics were the light of his life, although, the way he talked during the games may lead you to think otherwise. He also loved his Red Sox, albeit they didn't exactly give him the best final season, but we'll forgive them.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jessica Clement, Dr. Jeffrey Kamradt, Colleen Brown APRN, Katie Coleman APRN, and all the staff at the Manchester Oncology office of the Hartford Healthcare, also the Hospice staff at the Pines in Bristol for their gentle and attentive care for Joe's final days.
There will be a memorial mass on Monday, Nov. 14th at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony's Church on School Street in Bristol.
Mass is open to the public, but burial will be at the convenience of the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Bristol Press from Nov. 2 to Nov. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Wilson

11 Entries

Pamela Payne

October 29, 2024

It´s so very hard to believe that 2 years have passed since Joe was called home. He and Pam gave me the most blessed gifts in my life. Those gifts were, a most cherished friend, a second family, and lessons in how to be a better mother to a special needs child. The last words Joe said to me were "he(my son Brenden) is beautiful. Never forget that." And I haven´t. I will forever miss you Joe. God bless his wonderful family who feel such a very deep loss to this day. My prayers are with you.

Fran Pangaro

September 29, 2023

I am very sad to come upon this. Joe, aka Mr. Wilson, as I knew him, was a happy, loveable man. Always a smile on his face. I shared a wonderful friendship with his wife Pam and often remember the great times we shared.
Sending my love to the Wilson's.

Kathryn

February 22, 2023

May peace surround you Sir.
Mike and Kathryn Forader

SHARON NIEMANN=TESTA

November 14, 2022

Joe, was my favorite boss. As a divorced mother with two young boys, he hired me to work driving the van for the before and after school progams. He gave me the courage to go to college and get an associates degree in Early Childhood Education. Joe was a people person always willing to help someone else. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

Woodie and Pilot Music Team

Planted Trees

Joe and Kathy Nestico

November 6, 2022

To Pam & Family, please accept our deepest sympathy. If this is any help to you in your "healing process", your husband and father was the "bench mark" for caring, for helping people, for "giving back" to his community either through the Bristol Boys & Girls Club or being an Educator or just being a "good" friend. He did all of this with that unique "smile". Like Joey, I am a "Baby Boomer" from 1946. Although he went to Saint Anthony´s and I went to Bristol Central, we shared a unique friendship and respect of each other for many years. Pam, 30 years ago when I married my wife Kathy, she had many years of experience in child care and was looking for employment in that area. I called Joey for her to see if he could use her at the Club. He said, "I have the perfect position for her with our Before and After School BBGC program in Burlington". She just retired after 30 years and a great career as a Unit Director, all because of Joe Wilson and his unique and caring personality. With deepest respect, Joe and Kathy Nestico.

Kevin Phelan

November 4, 2022

Joe was a good good person
Fellow PC grad
Knew him at Boys Club
Was Boy of Year
A well earned tribute
When in Bristol shopped at his bookstore
Teddy in piece

rod hafford

November 3, 2022

Joe was indeed a special person. His kindness is what I
remember most. He took care of my daughter in day care. He went out of his way to pay special attention not only to her but to all of the children. The world will
miss this good man.
My condolences to his family.

JoAnn Calcinari

November 2, 2022

Our prayers go to Pam and family. We feel very lucky to know Joe may he rest in peace. God Bless Love Bob and JoAnn Calcinari

Pamela Payne

November 1, 2022

I have known Joe for most of my life. Leslie, his daughter and I grew up together and are the best of friends. Joe and Pam were always like second parents to me. Joe hired me to work at the Boys Club daycare during my Summers off from college. My dearest memories are the Holidays I spent with the Wilson´s. Joe and Pam always looked out for me. I´m so lucky to have shared in their lives. May God give Pam, Kevin,Leslie and Craig along with their families, peace and comfort during this difficult time.

James and Sylvia Joska

November 1, 2022

So sorry for your loss.

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