Kenneth Wilson Of Eastport Dies At Age 74

Kenneth L. Wilson

Kenneth Lockwood Wilson, a lifelong resident of Eastport, died on Tuesday, January 18, at Southampton Hospital. He was 74.

Mr. Wilson was born on December 14, 1936, to Roy T. Wilson, and Frances Brown Albin, both of whom predeceased him. He enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from Eastport High School. He was stationed in Germany for two years and served four years in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. A natural athlete, he received many awards for his excellence on the basketball court and baseball field, and was active for many years on town softball and basketball leagues. Once, on a bowling league, he was just point short of a perfect game, bowling a 299. He was a coach for minor league and Little League baseball for many years.

Mr. Wilson was a member of the Eastport Fire Department for 50 years, serving as lieutenant with the Mercury Hose Company from 1963 to 1967; as commissioner from 1976 to 1985; and trustee in 1993. He was a member of the notable drill team with the department in the 70s. He also had a part in saving two young children from drowning, retrieving them through a break in the ice at the Eastport pond. He was Fireman of the Year for 1968 and coached the Junior Fire Department tournament team for many years.

Mr. Wilson was employed as a splicing technician with the Verizon Telephone Company and retired after 27 years of service. He was an avid fisherman and loved nature, especially bird watching. His greatest legacy, survivors said, was his love for his family.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Arlene, also a lifelong resident of Eastport; two sons, Keith M. Wilson of Georgia and Mark A. Wilson and his wife Brigitte of Virginia; five grandchildren, Christa, Kenneth, Adam, Noah, and Luke; and a great-grandson, Connell. He is also survived by his sisters, Shirley Jacobs and Ruth Wilson, both of Eastport; a brother Richard and his wife Elizabeth of Westhampton and Florida; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Kathryn Skarka; and a brother, Roy Wilson.

Funeral services were private. Arrangements were under the direction of the Follett and Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach.

The family would appreciate memorial donations to a favorite charity.