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Wilson Square, a lifelong resident of Southampton, died at Southampton Hospital on March 25. He was 76.
Born on July 13, 1938 to Kenneth Square and Minnie Estelle Barrett, in Southampton, Mr. Square attended Southampton schools. Eventually known to most as “Sonny,” he was a very expressive person who possessed a love for life and a natural generosity and sensitivity for reaching out to others, survivors said. He became a master chef and enjoyed a thriving career at Bowden Square in Southampton and the Chez Labatt in East Hampton; The New York Times reviewed his cooking with five-star accolades.
His mother died when he was an infant, which survivors said was a reason for his tender-hearted nature and why he became a deacon in the Lord’s church. Raised by his father and stepmother, Louise Claus Square, they shaped his profound appreciation for family and for welcoming others into his life.
Mr. Square was a popular, well-respected, loved and admired citizen within the community, becoming fondly known as “Mum” or “Deac.” He was a dedicated member of the community and loved the associated errands and driving around seniors and those who didn’t drive or have transportation, his daily tasks, until he became physically unable to continue helping in that way. He was often seen in his favorite seat on his front porch greeting his neighbors with a warm hello, a short conversation with a word of encouragement and a smile. Often, he would even share his personal wisdom, saying “People are going to do what they want to do.”
Mr. Square was a beloved member of King’s Chapel Church of God In Christ. For more than 20 years, his active service included keeping a watchful eye over the church building. Living right next door was a convenient way to serve as the church’s unofficial caretaker. Throughout his decades of faithful service, he would meet service people at the church and oversee their work. Moreover, he made it his task to make certain the church was open for every service, and that heat or air conditioning were running, as needed. Regardless of the weekly church schedule, he would stay until the last person was out and then lock and secure the church. Whenever a midweek meeting would take place, he would come and sit in the back of the church until the meeting was over and make sure everyone was secure in the their cars.
Deacon Square understood the duties of his position and demonstrated them to the best of his abilities, survivors said. He was a trusted member of the church financial team as well. He was a regular at Wednesday night prayer and Bible study and also spent many Tuesday nights at the church praying. He loved the Sunday School and was a well prepared student every Sunday. His favorite choir was Showers of Blessings and his favorite song was “I Won’t Complain.”
He was a member of outstanding faithfulness whose life was submerged in the ministry of service that extended far and wide. It extended to the mothers of the church through weekly phone calls to the members with genuine expressed concern, to the sick and the shut-in, and to opening his home to those who needed shelter.
He is survived by numerous cousins; his neighbors, Patty Johnson and Sam Johnson, whom he considered family along with his adopted neighborhood friends, including the children of the late Lorraine Vaughn; and his very good friend Jimmy Johnson. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Square.
A viewing was held on Tuesday, March 31, at the King’s Chapel Church of God In Christ. A funeral service took place on April 1 at the church with the Bishop Frank Anthone White officiating. Burial followed at Southampton Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
on Apr 6, 2015