Bom-Wrapper

About An Amazing Life|Help

James F
Wilber III

May 20, 1928 – October 13, 2018

James Wilber
Share this tribute
Memorial Candles Lit for James | SEE ALL
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
— Leete Stevens Enfield Chapels & Crematory

Obituary for James F Wilber III

Print
James F. Wilber III
May 20, 1928-October 13, 2018
Our wonderful father, grandfather, and friend, James F. Wilber III, beloved husband of Dorothy G. Wilber, passed away on Saturday, October 13, 2018 of Leukemia. He was born in Norwich, CT, the son of the late James F. Wilber, Jr. and Palma Eleanora (Hansen) Wilber. He graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1946, Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1950, and then served in the army for two years at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland during the Korean War.
He met Dorothy Grover in 1945, married in 1951, and was a devoted husband and father til the day he died. He worked as a mechanical engineer at Hamilton Standard for 35 years, and designed several parts of the Apollo spacesuit, including the shoulder joint and parts of the life support system backpack. He loved sports,coaching Little League baseball for a number of years and he especially enjoyed the Boston Red Sox and UCONN women’s basketball. He also loved music and supporting his wife’s hobby of thimble collecting, and was a member of the Enfield Congregational Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher. He was a friend to all and a surrogate dad/grandpa to many and he loved his family with all his heart.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years and his children: Cynthia Violette of Enfield; Susan Holmes of San Antonio, TX; David Wilber (Lynn) of Syracuse, NY; Ellen Wilber of Enfield, NH; and Janet Wilber of Griswold, CT. He is also survived by his grandchildren:Pamela Holmes (Scott Herrick), Daniel Holmes (Andrea), Brian Wilber, and Molly Wilber, and his great-grandchildren: Melody Holmes, Clara Herrick, James Herrick, Forrest Herrick, and another great-granddaughter on the way;and three beloved nieces and their families. He was predeceased by his sisters, Lorraine Wilber in 1989, and Jean Roscoe in 2013, and two grandsons, James and Peter Holmes.
Our family would like to thank the staff at the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center, especially Dr. Mark Dailey and his team, Dr. Timothy Boyd, and the staff on the second floor of the Conklin building at Hartford Hospital. Your care of our father/husband was extraordinary and we are so grateful.
All are invited to join the family for calling hours on Friday, October 19, 2018 from 4-7 pm at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield, CT 06082. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018at 11 am at the Enfield Congregational Church. Burial will follow at the Hazardville cemetery, followed by a reception at the church. Please honor our father/husband by donating to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 98018, Washington DC 20090-8018, or Enfield Congregational Church, UCC, 1295 Enfield St, Enfield, CT 06082. To leave on-line condolences please visit www.leetestevens.com.

First Visitation

When Friday, October 19th, 2018 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Location
Leete Stevens Enfield Chapels
Address
61 South Rd.
Enfield, CT 06082
Additional Information

Interment Information

Location
Hazardville Cemetery, Enfield
Address
Elm St
Enfield, CT 06082

Reception Information

Location
Enfield Congregational Church
Address
1295 Enfield St
Enfield, CT 06082
Share by: