Obituary of Samuel Ralph Wilson
Samuel Ralph Wilson, 86, of Weeki Wachee, FL, formerly of Meadville, PA, passed away at the Marquette Hospice House in Meadville on Saturday evening July 1, 2017 following a past year of declining health.
Sam was born on April 26, 1931 at Apollo, PA, a son of the late Samuel H. and Frances M. Garris Wilson.
Sam had attended the Conneaut Lake Schools. He was a veteran having served in the US Navy from 1949 to 1950 as a construction apprentice. He then served in the Naval Reserves until 1956.
Sam had been employed by Goodea Construction in Meadville as a construction superintendent. He had also been employed by DeVore Construction in Meadville, Agnello Construction in Erie, Allegheny Building Company of Pittsburgh, and Westinghouse in Meadville. He was last self-employed in the construction business and retired in 1991 at which time he moved to Florida.
Sam was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer while residing in Meadville and Marshburg, PA. He was a member and past master of the Crawford Lodge #234 F & AM in Meadville and a former member of the Zem Zem Shrine in Erie, PA. He was also a former member of the Meadville Elks Club and Meadville Country Club. Sam was a former member of the West Mead No. 2 Firehall in Meadville and past president of the Meadville Field Archery Club.
Sam was active with the Boys Scouts of America and a member of the Order of the Arrow. He was instrumental in establishing a Boy Scout Troop in Meadville.
While residing in Florida, he served as president of Sugarmill Woods Golf and Country Club in Homosassa, FL. He was also a member of the Heather Golf and Country Club in Brooksville, FL. He had served as president and secretary of the Heather Property Owners Association.
He was an accomplished carver creating wildlife and figures from basswood.
Sam is survived by his children, Ralph “Ted” Wilson and wife Karen of Cambridge Springs, Debra Darcangelo and husband Richard of Saegertown, and Karen Pertz and husband Jay of Titusville; five grandchildren, Karli Wilson, Kyle Wilson, Jayla Pertz, Dr. DeAnn Salvo and husband Scott, and Brian Darcangelo; a sister, Velma Aschenbach of Meadville; a brother, John F. Wilson and wife Karen of Hadley; several nieces; and his special neighbors and friends who he sadly missed in Florida.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his companion, Donna Gardner, enjoying 16 years together in Florida; and a sister, Edna Wilson.
A private service for the family will be conducted by Rev. Larry Reitz, pastor of the Titusville First United Methodist Church, officiating.
Interment will be in Roselawn Cemetery in Meadville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Crawford County 406 W. Oak St. Titusville, PA 16354.
