Joseph A. Wilson, 93, of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx. He was always surrounded by his devoted family while at the hospital. Joseph was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Shirley. He leaves behind his adoring children, Suzanne and Randy of Kessler of Howell, NJ, Michael and Ana Wilson of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and Laurie Wilson-Merhi of Bronxville, NY, Westchester County. Joseph was blessed to be a Papa. He will be missed by his 6 grandchildren, Christopher (Marygrace), Matthew, Lisa (George), Michael, Ryan, and Adam. He was a loving great-grandfather of Grace Ellen and Barrett. He also leaves behind his cousin John Bennett, in-laws Margaret and Jim Fitzpatrick, Susan Levy, his late brother Glenn, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Born on August 24, 1931 in Brooklyn to the late Joseph and Evelyn Wilson, Joseph attended P.S. 185, Fort Hamilton High School, and graduated from St. John's University in Queens. At Fort Hamilton High School, he met the love of his life, Shirley, through his friend, Shirley's brother, the late Alfred King. Joseph was drafted into the army in 1953 and asked his parents for Shirley's hand in marriage until he returned. They were married on May 21, 1955 at Our Lady of Angels R. C. Church. They started a family right away and Joseph began his career in banking at Chase Manhattan Bank. He worked his way up from teller to 2nd Vice President at J.P. Morgan/Chase. He retired early in 1993 since they had him opening new branches out in Garden City, Long Island and the commute was tiring for him. Joseph missed working and after staying home for 3 years he went back to banking at Capital One Bank on 86th Street as the Bank Vault Attendant, until he officially retired. Joseph was a devout Catholic, loved football, and sitting on the beach enjoying the sun. Joseph loved babysitting all his grandchildren over the years and especially loved traveling with his family. He really enjoyed his last vacation to Chincoteague, Virginia this past August where he celebrated his 93rd birthday. He gave all his children his love of travel and the understanding of the importance of a well-needed vacation.

His unwavering love for his wife continued even after Shirley's death, and we are thankful that they have reunited in heaven after 7 years of being apart. Joseph was a wonderful son, brother, friend, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and our hearts are broken that he is no longer physically with us. We pray that his journey home to all those that he loved and missed was exactly what he longed for and that he is back in the arms of his beautiful wife, Shirley. Until we meet again in paradise, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. You will be greatly missed by your family and all who had the pleasure to know him.

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In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Joseph's memory to:
(Send acknowledgment email to: mwilson@xaverian.org)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

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Visitation
Thursday, December 5, 2024
4 PM  -  8 PM

Clavin Funeral Home
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Complimentary Valet Parking Available

Funeral Mass
Friday, December 6, 2024
9:30 AM

Saint Patrick R.C. Church
9511 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209

Cemetery
Resurrection Cemetery
361 Sharrott Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10309