Carl Peterson Wilson

1929 - 2022

Oakdale - Carl Peterson Wilson, 92, of Oakdale, passed away very early August 6, 2022, at BrideBrook Health and Rehabilitation Center in Niantic. He was born in Greenwich, Oct. 16, 1929, to Harold and Evelyn Wilson of Cos Cob.

He was predeceased by his first wife Mary; his second wife Ann; his daughter Maryellen; and two beloved dogs, Maggie and Sophie. He is survived by his son Peter MacDonald Wilson of Norwich; his wife of 31 years, Rory Wilson of Oakdale; and his stepchildren, Keri and Gary and his wife Gina; and step-grandchildren, Kayla, Sam, Ryan and Laura.

Carl graduated from Greenwich High School in 1947. He received his B.S. in marine architecture and naval engineering from Webb Institute of Naval Architecture in 1951. He was the last surviving member of his graduating class. Immediately after graduation, he went to work for the Electric Boat division of General Dynamics in Groton, and remained in engineering management there until his retirement in 1991.

Carl's Grandpa Peterson gave him his first boat in 1943; and Carl remained a dedicated and avid sailor for the rest of his life, even during the extremely brief boatless times. He was always happiest with a fair wind and a tiller or wheel in his hand. He was an engineer to the marrow of his bones; he could fix anything - electrical, plumbing, carpentry were all subject to his keen mind and clever hands. He played trumpet in the Waterford Community Band for many years; in fact, that is where he and Rory met. He loved growing his many beautiful roses, reading books about the Napoleonic Wars, going to local plays and concerts, and "gallivanting" with Rory.

In lieu of flowers, Carl's wish was for donations to go to Guiding Eyes for the Blind. An Interment service will be held at a later time at St. John's Episcopal Church in Niantic, where Carl was a member for 30 years. Please visit http://www.byles.com to sign the guestbook.