Obituary: Thomas John Wilson, 71, Of Brookfield

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

BROOKFIELD, CT — It is with deep sadness that the family of Thomas John Wilson of Brookfield announces his passing on Feb.18, 2024 at Danbury Hospital. He valiantly fought a 14-year-long battle with Parkinson’s Disease with grace and resiliency. He refused to let his illness dampen his compassion and love for others, or his enthusiasm for enjoying life. He was so much more than the disease that he refused to be defined by.

Tom was born at Danbury Hospital on April 19, 1952, to Arthur Enos Wilson and Catherine May (Tishion) Wilson. He spent his childhood growing up in Danbury playing many sports including football and baseball, graduating from its high school in 1970. He graduated college from Waterbury State Technical College and later from the University of Lowell. His career was spent working with computers as a systems analyst. He spent many years as a consultant working for various companies, before spending the latter part of his career with Pitney Bowes.

He met the love of his life Lori Wilson (Tolor) in 1975 before marrying her 4 years later. Following time living in New York City and Brookfield, Tom and his wife settled in Bethel in 1986. Their son Jonathan was born a year later. Tom was the epitome of the devoted family man, enjoying time spent with family and friends. His wife was his best friend, and he coached his son’s little league teams for many years. Tom was a highly intelligent individual, knowledgeable about a myriad of subjects, yet he was never one to brag or show off. He often placed the needs of others above his own. He volunteered for numerous Parkinson’s Disease research studies. Many of these studies involved allowing invasive procedures to be performed to try to help eradicate the disease. Additionally, he refused to stand by while others were being mistreated. Tom spent 27 years living in Bethel before moving to Brookfield again in 2013.

An athlete in his youth, as an adult Tom ran road races —including several marathons — and participated in triathlons. He was an avid bowler, Yankee and Giant fan, and enjoyed NASCAR and motorcycle racing. Travelling brought great enjoyment to Tom. Prior to his illness, Tom was an active member of Danbury’s Central Christian Church. His sense of humor brought smiles to all. Perhaps most of all, Tom found happiness in music. Attending concerts brought Tom into a different world of contentment, especially providing a most welcome escape from the struggles of his illness.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, a brother Richard Wilson, and a brother-in-law Carlos Santi. In addition to his wife Lori and son Jonathan— both of Brookfield — Tom is survived by sisters Sharon Santi of Brookfield and Dorothy Baker (Chuck) of Bethel, as well as a brother Charles Wilson (Susan) of Barrow County, Georgia. Thomas deeply loved the numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and cousins that survive him. Tom Wilson truly touched and made a great impact upon everyone who knew him.

The funeral will be held at the Central Christian Church, 71 West Street, Danbury, Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private at Newtown Village Cemetery, Newtown, in the spring.

The family will receive friends at the Hull Funeral Home, 60 Division St., Danbury Friday, March 1 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.