Stanley M. Wilson

Stanley M. “Stan” Wilson, 93, of Potsdam, NY, and formerly of Norwich, passed away on March 10, 2022, at his residence.

Born on April 29, 1928, at his home of 108 South Broad Street, in Norwich, Stan was the son of William and Mary (Wolfel) Wilson. He also had two older brothers, Marvin and Ted, each of whom predeceased Stan. He graduated from Norwich High School, then Harper College in Endicott, NY, and later SUNY College of Morrisville, NY. In the closing months of World War II Stan enlisted in the U.S. Army and was trained in vehicle repair. Then, he was part of the occupation forces in Japan. He was honorably discharged, and returned home in late 1948.

In 1951, in Preston, NY, Stan was married, making Esther J. Smith his wife. Esther survives. Also surviving are their son, John D. Wilson; daughter, Laura E. Bess; and grandchildren, Mariah (Joshua) Franclemont and Morgan Wilson.

Stan worked for the Norwich Pharmacal Co., later named Procter & Gamble, as an accountant for 26 years. During these years, Stan also completed and satisfied the “Methodist Ministerial Course of Study,” and received ordination in the United Methodist Church. Over the next 29 years four separate Methodist congregations knew him as their pastor at different times, including the North Norwich and Plymouth United Methodist Churches. He also was the associate pastor at the Broad Street Untied Methodist Church in Norwich for several years.

After his years at Procter & Gamble, Stan considered nursing with interest due to its solid meaning. He was issued his license as a Registered Nurse in September 1985, and worked for the American Red Cross for 10 years. Stan found such work very meaningful.

A funeral service for Stan will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at the United Methodist Church of North Norwich. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, in Norwich. Contributions in Stan’s memory may be made to the Broad Street United Methodist Church, 74 N. Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815.