Franklin Roy Wilson Sr.

Sandown, NH – Franklin R. Wilson, age 89, of Sandown, NH, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 10, 2024.
Franklin was born to the late Arthur and Vivian Wilson on March 27, 1935, the fourth of seven children in Lawrence, MA. At the age of five, Frank and his family moved to Salem, NH, to operate Wilson's Dairy Farm. Frank had many memories and stories of growing up and working with his dad and siblings. At age 18, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and left for Korea in 1953. Upon his return stateside, he met the love of his life, Carolyn Bluemel of Methuen, MA. They were married for 54 years.
Together, Frank and Carolyn had three children, nine grandchildren and step-grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His life is celebrated by his daughter Mary Lou and husband Robert Gaudette, Jr. of Brentwood, NH; his son Franklin R. Wilson, Jr. and wife Nanci Brown of Bedford, NH; and his daughter Gini and husband Bill Jones of Merrimack, NH; grandchildren Christopher Gallant and wife Sarah Gallant, Robert F. Gaudette, Ashley Gallant, Joseph Gaudette, Andrew Gaudette, Jayden Wilson and Molly Wilson, step-grandchildren Emily Jones and Abbey Jones; and great-grandchildren Aiden, Emma and Isaac Gallant and step-great-grandchild Waylon Holmes.
Frank is predeceased by his parents, his wife Carolyn, and siblings Shirley (Wilson) Leary, Claire (Wilson) Holland, Arthur Wilson, Allen Wilson and David Wilson. He leaves behind his beloved sister Arline (Wilson) Myette of Salem, NH, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Frank was a shrewd and adaptable entrepreneur, and worked hard throughout his life. He owned and operated Wilson Sand & Gravel in Salem, NH, on which he built Wilson Lake. He went on to develop land and build homes in Rockingham County, NH. He relished running big equipment. Later, Frank worked for Busby Construction of Plaistow, NH, before retiring at age 76. Paul Busby once said, "Frank was the only man I knew who could wear out a shovel."
Frank loved reading mystery novels and spending time outdoors. There was never a tree in need of felling; a skylight in need of power-washing; a lawn in need of mowing; nor a trench in need of digging. When Frank wasn't burning brush or operating a bulldozer, his quick wit always had friends laughing. His life was dedicated to his family. Frank was the rock – the foundation – of the Wilson family. Frank's dedication was no more evident than as Carolyn's caregiver and companion: for three years, Frank
drove 45 minutes each way to be with Carolyn from 6AM to 5PM while she was in palliative care.
Frank stayed busy up until recently. Two months ago, he cleaned his own gutters and was waiting for he right conditions to burn brush. No time was ever wasted. If he was needed somewhere at 9AM, he was there at 7AM, generously offering his talents, never wanting anything in return. Frank was a true testament to God's love. We miss him dearly.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Franklin's wake at the BREWITT FUNERAL HOME, 9 Pleasant St, Epping, NH, on Sunday, December 15, from 1PM to 4PM. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, Epping, NH, on Monday, December 16, at 10AM. His burial will follow at Center Cemetery in Sandown, NH.
Frank and his family want to especially thank the caregivers of Compassus Hospice. They are truly a blessing.