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Frances Benson Stiles
December 10, 2013
I cannot express how sad I am at this news. When I told my husband, he knew exactly who I meant because I have spoken so lovingly of Mr. Wilkinson over the years. He taught me English and life. When you look up the word "teacher" in the dictionary, his photo should be there. I will continue to think of him often and speak of him with love and gratitude.
Julia Carotenuto-Sutton
December 9, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the Wilkinson family. As I read all the condolences written its great to read Mr Wilkinson was still the quirky, creative teacher until the end. I will always remember Chumley and Chumley was always watching as we took our tests. Again, to the Wilkinson family, I hope these stories can comfort you in your time of grief. He left a lasting impression on everyone of his students
Barry Jessee
December 9, 2013
After almost 50 years since last seeing him and 3 degrees I still think of Mr. Wilkinson and note him as the best teacher I ever had. He was also my 7th and 8th grade basketball coach as well. I always wanted to tell him how much he meant to me but never knew where he was. Condolences to his family. Long live Harold Snormer!!!!
Caroline Baley
December 6, 2013
You will be missd. You were one of my favorite teachers. You made me love English. When we used the wrong English, you let us know with that look! I am sure that your family has many wonderful memories to share. Love from Caroline Bailey; Westville, NJ and Gateway Regional HS Rest In Peace!
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December 5, 2013
We taught in the same building for 25 years,and we liked each other as colleagues. It was only after Lew retired, however, that we became friends outside of the workplace. After he retired, Lew had more time to pursue an interest in the theater, the arts and travel. We attended several plays together. The most memorable one was a Broadway revival of "Hedda Gabler" with Kate Burton, Richard Burton's daughter. We both loved the play, but the drive up to New York City was also memorable. It was just two weeks after 9-11. As we approached Manhattan from the N. J. Turnpike, Lew and I were saddened to look over at where the Twin Towers should have been and see nothing but sky.
Lew, you were one of a kind. You will be missed.
December 5, 2013
I have so many fond memories of the time we spent together after I graduated and you finally retired! I enjoyed our many trips and will hold those memories close to me forever. You were a great man and taught me so much. Best quote- Don't use AT with where! I still catch myself reminding others of the rule. Love, Boonie

From Room 411, your home!
Ef Deal
December 5, 2013
Lew, sweetie, you were one of the best mentors I could have had. Every Friday the 13th, no matter what day it comes on, will be dedicated to you in my classroom. I wish I could be there in person to place a copy of The Stranger with you. Thank you.
Joseph Hubbs
December 5, 2013
He was one of a kind. One of my favorite teachers, capable of making you feel like learning. Rest In Peace Sir. You touched all of our lives!
Class of 1992!
Jennifer Billstein-Miller
December 5, 2013
What a wonderful teacher and man! He made learning fun. Condolences to his family. God Bless you!
heather uron
December 5, 2013
I will never forget my senior year when my brothers switched classes on the teachers and acted like the one in my class was the right twin when it was not. They waited till the end of class and switched back. I had to sleep the whole class and not give it away.
December 4, 2013
My favorite teacher ever who inspired me to be an English major in college. RIP Mr. Wilkinson.
Judy Meyer Bessler- Class of 72
Robin (Abrams) Reola
December 4, 2013
AHHH!! Mr W was my all time FAVORITE teacher! Looked forward to his tests because he would put silly things all over them!! LOVED the Ostrich!! He called me Mom... because I was so bossy!! More teachers... no ALL teachers should be like him!! Will love you always!! See you again someday!!
Christy
December 4, 2013
He was an inspirational teacher. He will be missed. I am so sorry to hear of this loss.
Jill Radler Lownes
December 4, 2013
Best teacher I ever had..he knew what he was doing :) ubiquitous = chicken man, he's EVERYWHERE, EVERYWHERE!
lonnie paser
December 4, 2013
Top 10 influential people in my life. He will be missed by many. Thank you for believing in me.
Donna Strandwitz-Ganter
December 4, 2013
You were the best Mr. Wilkinson. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Diana Butler
December 4, 2013
Like many others, I remember him holding up his fingers or one of our textbooks in the hallways and yelling one book or two books! Ubiquitous still reminds me of his story about Chicken Man. He was a funny, insightful and unique part of Gateway's English Dept. Thank you Mr. Wilkinson.
debbie perry
December 4, 2013
A great man and teacher! he made English so much fun. he will be missed by so many!
Diane (Swanson) Belcher
December 4, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of one of my favorite Gateway teachers. He was one of the few teachers who made learning fun before it became popular to do so. I also remember his talk of his children especially Tara. I will never forget him and his Invisible friend Chumley! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Marc Haynes
December 4, 2013
One of my favorite teachers. So kind, so caring for his students, such a great teacher. He will be truly missed.
david booth
December 4, 2013
you completed my yearbook with your signature. or so you wrote. thank you for the laughs and wisdom that you imparted to us. you were a good teacher.
Mike Charboneau
December 4, 2013
Sorry to hear the news. I had brought up Mr.Wilkinson's name up over the weekend. Learned many vocab words with the help of his imaginary friend! If anyone can remember his name, post it here. My condolences from the Charboneau family.
Karen Barry
December 4, 2013
I left Gateway 30 years ago and I still think of Mr. Wilkinson. I can't tell you how many times I've thought of him when wondering which day of the week Friday the 13th falls this month, etc. etc...
To all his family, please accept my deepest, heartfelt condolences, and know that Mr. Wilkinson made a huge impact on so many students and will always be remembered fondly.
Jeff Gillies
December 4, 2013
He was a valued teacher, he will be missed by all.. "Two Books."
Maelesha Stala
December 4, 2013
this man made me feel like I was intelligent when no else did . he was kind love and very funny . his wife was in the same hospital room as my great grandmother . I have never seen two people more on love god bless all of their family rip Mr Wilkinson
Maelesha Stala (Gibson ) class of 1992
Tracy Nelson (Cranmer)
December 4, 2013
Even after all these years I can't hear certain words with out thinking of Mr. Wilkinson....He really was an amazing teacher.
Renee Dobrzynski
December 4, 2013
So sorry to hear this! When I look back on my high school experience I always remember Mr Wilkinson with a great big smile!!! "TWO BOOKS" could ALWAYS be heard from either end of the 400 wing!! He was a remarkable teacher and a great man! My thoughts and prayers are with his family! Something tells me he had a few jokes lined up for his arrival up there :)
Christine Frielink
December 4, 2013
15 years after graduating we are still quoting Mr. Wilkinson. One of my favorite teachers of all time. So sorry to hear of his passing.
JMA
December 4, 2013
What a great guy (teacher). Just seeing his face brings me a smile and joy. May your family find some peace in all the lives he touched and the great impact he had on so many students. Thinking of you all during this time.
John R. Dominy
December 4, 2013
My heartfelt condolences. Lew Wilkinson was an inspiring teacher and I am truly thankful for all he did.
Kim McGlinn-Maska
December 4, 2013
May you rest in peace Mr. Wilkinson. You made Gateway English so much fun. Thank you for all you have done for your students.
Michelle Meersand-Edmund
December 4, 2013
I had Mr.Wilkerson at Gateway. He was an awesome teacher and I loved Chumley. May your memories comfort you at this time.
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1650 New Road, Northfield, NJ 08225

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