Obituary: Charles Barry Wilson, 87, of Southbury

Charles Barry Wilson, age 87, died on July 13, 2016, after succumbing to pneumonia. He and his wife of 59 years, Paula Wilson, have been residents of the Watermark at East Hills in Southbury, CT since 2010.

Barry is survived by Paula, as well as his five children, Elizabeth Sullivan of Laytonsville, MD, Laura Martissa of West Islip, NY, Christopher Wilson of Monroe, CT, Victoria Stuven of West Sayville, NY, and Steven Wilson of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kristen Clahane, Nathan Sullivan, TJ Tuttle, ToniAnn Martissa, Caitlin Wilson, Andrew Wilson, Jessica Wilson, William Stuven, Maria Stuven, Daniel Stuven, Gillian Stuven, Ella Wilson, and Kate Wilson.

He also leaves two great grandchildren, Emma and Sean Clahane. He is predeceased by a brother, Stanley Wilson of Florida. Barry was born in New Orleans, LA and attended Loyola College. He served in the US Navy as a supply corps officer during the Korean War.

He moved to New York to pursue his acting career where he met Paula in Summer Stock. They were married in 1957 in New York and honeymooned in London, where Barry continued his acting studies at Oxford University under a Fulbright Scholarship.

They raised their children in Baldwin, Long Island while Barry was a Professor of Speech and Drama at NYU and later at Queensborough Community College. He also performed in local theatre from time to time. After retiring, Barry and Paula moved to a lovely home on Lake Gaston in North Carolina where they entertained their growing family for 14 years.

They decided to move closer to family in 2010 and chose the Watermark. Barry’s favorite hobby was tennis (he watched some of the Wimbledon this past week).

Anyone who knew Barry knows that he considered taking care of Paula his primary loving role. Barry also served with dedication on the Residents Council at the Watermark. He taught ping pong lessons to the residents a few years ago.

His lefty serve is legendary. He was a devoted and loving husband and father. His family will miss him today and every day.