Kenneth Jerome Wilson

Dr. Kenneth (Ken) J. Wilson, December 8, 1959- April 28, 2025.
Our beloved Ken passed away in Lancaster, PA where he lived for the past seven months so that he could be near his son, Jerry Wilson.
Born in Sacramento, California, to the late Richard E. Wilson and Jerri (Domic) Wilson, Ken's early childhood was spent living in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Tumon, Guam, where he attended St. John's Preparatory School. He loved the tropical life, outdoors, science, his dog Polly and his monitor lizard. Later the family relocated to Vineland, NJ, where he attended Sacred Heart Grammar School, St. Augustine Prep and Vineland High. After he graduated in 1977, he studied organic chemistry and played lacrosse at Stockton State College where he received his BS. Ken went on to receive a full scholarship and complete his doctorate in chemistry at the University of Virginia, then complete his post doctorate work at the University of Chicago.
Ken worked for Cerus Corporation in CA, Johnson & Johnson in NJ, and The National Institute of Health in Washington, DC. Ken was brilliant. He had over 12 patents and developed many drugs and medicines that continue to save lives.
Ken was funny, generous and at times snarky. He had so many interests including music, playing guitar, collecting art, stamps and shells. He loved his restored Grand Prix, his cat, Sneakers, sports, fishing and traveling to Costa Rica. He really enjoyed meeting up with friends and fraternity brothers. Most of all he loved his son, Jerry, and was thrilled to spend time with him. In addition to his son, Jerry Wilson, he is survived by his sister Patti (John) Wilson-Franzoi, loving cousins Mitch Rakela and Ron Rakela of Sacramento, CA, Tom Nosker of Morrison, CO, Petra Domic of Split, Croatia, his family of friends, many of whom he would call "brothers", Jerry's sister Lila Good, his former wife Mary Good (Jerry's mother) and her husband Brad Good.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
If you wish to make a donation in Ken's memory, please consider Andy's Friends Cat Rescue, (andysrescue.org), or The Lancaster Museum & Public Art Foundation, (lmpaf.org/donate).
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dewalds.com.