Wilson, Gary A.
Gary A. Wilson, PhD, died unexpectedly at age 77 at his home in New Haven, CT on April 14, 2020. Dr. Wilson was one of the scientists who discovered the technology which made DNA cloning possible in the late 1970s. He was a participant in the Asilomar Moratorium on genetic engineering in 1975, where, for the first time, standards were set allowing geneticists to push research to its limits without endangering public health. Dr. Wilson was born in Chicago, IL, on December 13, 1942, one of three children of Merlin and Giorgina Kemp Wilson. The eldest child Bruce died in 1972 and Dr. Wilson's twin sister, Karen Koszut, was the victim of a car accident in 1994.
He graduated Chicago's Blue Island High School; received his Masters in Education at Illinois State University at Normal, IL; and received a PhD in microbial genetics from the University of Chicago. Dr. Wilson then performed his post-doctoral work at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry under the direction of Frank E. Young , MD, PhD. Subsequently Dr. Wilson joined the faculty at the University of Rochester. Dr. Young later became Commissioner of the FDA under the Reagan administration. Dr. Wilson's professional career in biotechnology research in the pharmaceutical industry continued up to the time off his death. Dr. Wilson is survived by his wife of 35 years, Karen Wollweber Wilson of New Haven, CT; his son Andrew Paul Wilson, who owns a video production company; his daughter-in-law Stephanie Bird Wilson, Media Studies Professor at Castleton University; his grandchildren Steven Paul Wilson, age 19, who is pursuing a Composing degree at Berklee College of Music, and Catherine Grace Wilson, age 6, and his former wife, Mary Current Wilson, all of Pittsford, Vermont. Dr. Wilson is also survived by his niece, Katie Koszut, a photographer in Phoenix, AZ.
Dr. Wilson was a committed community advocate in many local organizations including New Haven Reads, Long Wharf Theatre, and the New Haven Lawn Club where his service, dedication, and mischievous sense of humor will be greatly missed. We have lost a prince of a man who will be remembered every day.
A memorial service in New Haven will be planned when the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Contributions in lieu of flowers will be announced at that time. MARESCA & SONS FUNERAL HOME 592 Chapel St. New Haven is in charge of arrangements. Offer condolences at marescafuneralhome.com

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Published by The New Haven Register on Apr. 24, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Wilson

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7 Entries

Julian Clarke-Dixon

June 6, 2025

Gary was one of the most incredible men I ever got the chance to meet. He was not just my tutor at New Haven Reads, he was a father figure, he was my mentor. This man watched me grow up and supported me through everything. He sat at my 8th grade graduation and encouraged me to follow my dreams. I sit here 5 years later missing him every day. But because of his support and memory I found the strength to go to college during a pandemic and see it to the end. In December I will be graduating with a Masters degree.

There isn´t enough words in the world to thank Gary for every book he sent me for my birthday, or nights he spent in New Haven Reads helping me study, learn math, write short stories or hear me vent about my family. Every day I wish I hear his laugh or give him a big hug.

To his family, I am sorry for your loss, and I´m sorry it took me so long to find this page and write not even half of my thoughts of feelings about him. He was truly outstanding and no one can ever replicate or replace the warm smile or wisdom he always had. You all are still in my thoughts and prayers.

To Gary, thank you for everything. I think of you whenever I´m in class, or when I get an update from Adam Gidwitz about new book dropping or that he´s going on tour. Any academic achievement I´ve gotten since our last conversation has been dedicated to you and that will continue. The impact you have made in my life will never fade. I still think of our little stories and jokes. Thank you for taking all those Thursdays, Tuesdays and personal time to help me. I love you and miss you Gary, and to this day I still tell everyone how you taught me cursive and introduced me to astrology.

Okechukwu Udogu

April 30, 2020

I met Gary through his wife Karen. He was a very nice, funny and amicable man. Very cool and could hold a good conversation. Glad I got to meet him. I only wish we had more time to chat. Gone but never forgotten. May he Rest in Peace and will keep him and his family in prayers. Amen!

April 29, 2020

We met Gary and Karen through our mutual friends Wojtek and Henry. At barbeques and dinner gatherings, Gary would engage all with fascinating stories and amusing anecdotes. Gary had that unique ability to connect with everyone and anyone. We will always remember Gary as a kind, witty, thoughtful and generous person and we will and do miss him. Karen, our heartfelt condolences to you.
Janet and Carol.

Kristin Holdt Pracitto

April 26, 2020

Dear Karen & family...I was lucky to have known Gary thru our shared time at the dog park. He was gentle, giving & so funny...I loved talking with him as we watched his gorgeous FCRs race around with Jessie (and occasionally the poodles). He was a generous and good man who added peace, light & laughter to the world. I am so so sorry for your loss.

Monique Aerts

April 26, 2020

Dear Karen, Jane told me the bad news. I want to give you my condolences. I only had the chance to meet you both a few times. During those few times I knew immediately that Gary was a lovely man, so are you. I will never forget you. Big hugs and kisses from across the ocean, Belgium. Monique Aerts

Carol

April 25, 2020

Gary was an amazing man who was dedicated to teaching and enriching the lives of our students at New Haven Reads. Generous, kind, patient, and funny, Gary sparked a love of learning for his students, honing in on what they found interesting and planning his lessons around it. He was greatly admired by his students and the staff at NHR and we will never forget him. Our deepest condolences to Karen and his family. May you find peace in your memories and joy in his love.

April 25, 2020

I miss you and will love you always. thank you for 35 years.
Karen

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