Donald Wilson

Donald Wilson, 96, of Addison Place, Glastonbury, CT met his Lord and Savior on July 31st, 2025.
Don was born on December 8th, 1928 in Manchester, CT. His journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Don was a proud United States Army veteran serving from 1952-1954. He was a graduate of Uconn and went on to work as an account executive at The Travelers in the property casualty department. He was a member of Toast Masters International which empowers individuals to become effective communicators.
On June 14th, 1952, Don married the love of his life, Ardis Walters in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They moved to Manchester in 1954 where they raised their four children, Debbie, Jan, Pam, and Robb. Don and Ardis were happily married for 68 years. When Don retired, he and Ardis moved to Port Saint Lucie Florida and spent over 20 years there.
Don always lived life to the fullest. He and Ardis traveled to many places with dear friends creating memories that last forever. Some of their favorite trips included Europe, Aruba, Germany, Bermuda, and Hawaii. In addition to many trips abroad, Don and Ardis brought their family to Ocean Park Maine every summer – a special tradition that still carries on to this day with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Don had a great love for fishing, whether it was surf casting, waiting for a big striper or dock fishing with his grandchildren on the lake. He always beamed with joy. While residing at Addison, he was known as the resident ambassador because of his welcoming personality and led Bible studies and singing of hymns with the residents.
Most of all, Don loved to spend time with his family. He showed up to every family event he could and always supported the ones he loved the most. He was a man of integrity and great faith. We are beyond blessed to have had him in our lives and even more blessed to call him Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. He gave us all such courage, hope and love and constantly reminded us of the preciousness of life.
Don is survived by his four children and their spouses: Deborah and John MacVarish, Janet and Matthew Kellie, Pamela and Raymond Philbrick, and Robert and Linda Wilson.
He also leaves behind grandchildren and great grandchildren:
Jonathan MacVarish and Erin, their two children- Liam and Logan. Jeremy and Jennie MacVarish- their three children, Emersyn, Rennen and Brynley, James and Jennifer MacVarish, their three children - Archie, Sophie, and Bella.
Jennah Kellie.
Joshua and Christina Philbrick, their two children – Alexandria and Grant, Daniel and Holly Philbrick , their three children – Noah, Grace, and Elijah, Nathan and Lauren Philbrick, their two children – Adelyne and Bennett
Zachary Philbrick.
Benjamin Wilson and Amanda Wilson.
A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Covenant Church in Manchester, CT on Saturday, September 6th at 11am. The service will also be available via livestream on https://www.trinitycovenantchurch.org/livestream .
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com