Dr. Jean T. Wilson, 88

Dr. Jean T. Wilson, 88, of Little Falls, veterinarian, died Friday, March 23, 2012.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Tuesday, March 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the , 9 Smull Ave., Caldwell. A Mass will be held Wednesday, March 28, at 10 a.m., in , North Caldwell, followed by the interment at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Montclair.

Born in Belleville, Wilson lived in Montclair for 21 years and North Caldwell for 21 years before moving to Little Falls in 1997.

A 1952 graduate of NY State Veterinary School at Cornell University, Wilson joined Doremus Animal Hospital in Cedar Grove in 1955. The practice later became Cedar Grove Animal Hospital. He had as a partner Stanley A Witzel until Dr. Witzel’s retirement, after which his partner in the practice was Jean T. Wilson, Jr. Wilson, Sr. retired in 2008 after 53 years.

During his career, he offered veterinary care and puppy raising training to the members of the local 4-H who raised puppies for Seeing Eye Inc.

He was a member of the Dapper Dans of Harmony, Montclair Chapter, for over 37 years. He considered his fellow Barbershoppers as brothers and loved singing with them both at their annual shows and at charitable events.

Wilson was a Scout Master for 27 years with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 99, Eagle Rock Council. He took pride in the successes of his former scouts.

He was an avid gardener. He supported his late wife’s work with the Garden Club of Montclair both physically and by sharing many of the hybrids he developed.

Wilson served in World War II with the Marine Corps in the 5th Division, including the assault on Iwo Jima, and later with the Army Reserves.

He was predeceased by his wife, Julia May (Kennedy) Wilson; great grandson Callahan David Saksen, and daughter-in-law Alice Henry Wilson.

Surviving are his children, Elizabeth W. Saksen, Thomas M. Wilson, Carole Wilson Strickroth, Janyce M. Wilson and her husband, Joseph Ascione, Jean T. Wilson Jr. and his wife, Maripat, and Julie Bien and her husband Richard; companion Patricia Callahan Parillo; sister, Geraldine Clare and sister-in-law Joan Bradley Kennedy.

He is survived by eight grandchildren: Alex and his wife Ellie; Katie and her husband Michael; Dr. Megan (Physician), Dr. Michael (third generation veterinarian), Colin, Elizabeth, Grace and Sean; step-granddaughter Sarah and her husband David.

He is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Gavin, Claire, Ryan, Maggie, Rory Thomas and Maeve.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Tri-Star Chorus Scholarship Fund would be greatly appreciated so that part of his legacy will be to “Keep America Singing."