Glenn J. Wilson, 56, Was Island Real Estate Broker

Glenn J. Wilson, 56, of West Tisbury and Northampton, died Dec. 26 at his home in West Tisbury.

Founder and president of the Glenn Wilson Real Estate Agency, Mr. Wilson was a well-respected businessman providing services to West Tisbury and Vineyard Haven residents for the past 16 years.

Before starting his own real estate practice, he was a senior associate at the Laverty Real Estate Agency in Vineyard Haven.

He had been in the U.S. Army, serving for three years both in Germany and Vietnam, and was honorably discharged as specialist five. During his stint in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star for "meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces in the Republic of Vietnam during April 16, 1970 to April 15, 1971."

He attended Northampton High School and Greenfield Community College and was graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1976 with a bachelor of arts degree. Glenn worked in media technology, producing commercial education training videos for companies in Boston and Chicago before joining the Eaton's Men's Clothing Retailers in Westfield as a senior buyer.

Recognizing the growing trend of catering to business women, he was instrumental in changing the store's vision from an exclusive men's store to include both men's and women's tailored clothing. In 1988, he opened a second Eaton's store in Northampton, where he worked as its general manager before moving to Martha's Vineyard in 1990.

Glenn was a gentle, caring man to his family and friends. Among Vineyard residents, he was known for opening his home as a haven to stray cats. His sister Karen remembers him as "the best big brother anyone could have."  

Survivors include his mother, Bertha Wilson Cowan of Northampton; a sister and brother-in-law, Karen Wilson Mientka and Edward Mientka, and a niece, Kristie Mientka, all of Amherst; a godson, Michael J. Kennedy, and a cousin, Rose Kirkham Kennedy, both of Chicago.

A memorial service is planned at a future date.