Wilbur Bulman McAllister

Wilbur B. (Mac) McAllister, Jr., 93, passed away on October 31, 2025, at Central Vermont Medical Center after a brief illness. Born on September 20, 1932, in Waterbury, VT, to Thelma Deal McAllister and Wilbur B. McAllister, Sr., Mac attended school in Waterbury and graduated from Waterbury High School in 1950. A varsity basketball and baseball player, he then attended the University of Vermont, receiving his B.S. in 1955 and later returned for his M.Ed. in 1972. He began his teaching and coaching career at BFA Fairfax High School in 1955, as a social studies and math teacher and a basketball and baseball coach. He was twice selected as basketball Coach of the Year in the Northwestern League. He then went on to Essex High School, teaching social studies and coaching basketball, before starting his sports film business in the early 1970's. With the help of several photographers, he provided sports films to high schools and colleges throughout Vermont. As videotapes replaced films in the 1980's, his son Steve joined the business. Mac had a long association with the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl (Appreciation Award 2008), Norwich University (Athletic Hall of Fame 2014), the Vermont Principals Association (Hall of Fame 2007), and the University of Vermont (Athletic Award 2007). He was also inducted into the Harwood Union Hall of Fame in 2019. He served proudly in the Vermont National Guard in Waterbury and in the US Army Reserves at Fort Ethan Allen. Mac is survived by his wife, Marlene, with whom he celebrated 70 years of marriage in August of 2025, and by his children, Sarah McAllister, Sonja Grahn (Doug Grahn), and Stephen McAllister; grandchildren Erik Schmokel (Kayla Robinson), Kurt Schmokel, and Brendan Grahn (Becky Kilian). Mac's entire family would like to thank the members of the Waterbury Ambulance Service and the staff at Central Vermont Medical Center for their help, support, and incredible kindness and compassion. A celebration of Mac's life will be held in the spring. Memorial donations can be made to: Waterbury Ambulance Service, PO Box 95, Waterbury Center, VT 05677, Essex High School Athletics, 2 Educational Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452, or Central Vermont Council on Aging, 59 N. Main St., Suite 200, Barre, VT 05641-4121.