John Wilbur Was Purple Heart Veteran

John S. Wilbur Jr. died July 26 at Hospice in West Palm Beach, Fla. He was 72 years old.

He was born in 1941 to Atheline and John Wilbur in Cleveland, Ohio. John attended the Loomis School and graduated from Yale University in 1964 where he was captain of the wrestling team. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1968, first in the Underwater Demolition Team 22 and then with Seal Team 2, where he lived among the Vietnamese of the Mekong Delta. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service.

After Vietnam he graduated with a degree from Case Western Reserve School of Law in Cleveland, Ohio. He practiced law in St. Croix, Virgin Islands as chief assistant United States attorney before returning to Florida where he was a trial lawyer and partner in the law firm of Coe & Broberg in Palm Beach. He moved back to Cleveland in 1994 where he was president of University Circle Inc., a nonprofit organization. Later he revisited Vietnam and wrote a book, Split Vision, in which he recalled his war experiences and commented on the people, country and culture with poetic impressions. John and his wife, Beverly, lived in Palm Beach, Cleveland, Martha’s Vineyard and have been longtime members and residents of the Ocean Club of Florida in Ocean Ridge, Fla.

He was a past president of the Yale Club of the Palm Beaches, a founding director of the UDT/ Seal Team Museum in Ft. Pierce, and a vestry member and senior warden of Bethesda By The Sea. He led an interesting and adventurous life. His friends were legendary and remained an active and joyous part of his difficult last years with dementia. But his family and friends were what he treasured most.

He is survived by Beverly, his wife of 33 years, step daughter Blair and her husband, Tim Givens, and their children Taylor and Jamie Givens of Palm Beach, Fla.; step daughter Jill Butler and step son Jay Butler of West Palm Beach, Fla,; sisters Atheline Wilbur of Boston, Andrea and her husband, Sergio, of Milan, Italy, and Maren Wilburo of Cleveland, Ohio, as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He will always be loved by all. A memorial celebration of his life will be held in October and announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Bethesda By the Sea Church,141 S County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480, or to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407.

Mason Buddy, Marblehead/Vineyard Haven

Had the pleasure of growing up with John summers on West Chop in the late 40's and early 50's. He was, even then, clearly a leader and much fun to be around. He'll be sorely missed by both family and friends.

August 2, 2013 - 8:39am

Pat Morss Nagi, Plymouth/West Tisbury MA

I too knew John growing up summers in West Chop. If he'd ask me to jump off a bridge, I would have ... also the diving board on big pier these days. He was always so competent at what he did. My sympathies go out to Beverly, Athlene and Andrea plus all those kids. I thank him for his friendship, chance meetings at the West Tisbury Farmer's Market and for his service to our country. We are all diminished by the loss of John.

August 6, 2013 - 7:18pm

Lindsay Knowlton , Glover, Vermont

My heart goes out to all of John's family. He was a truly remarkable man! When I worked at Boston university school of law, he told me I was wasting my mind, gave me two books to read and got me back on track and I began to read, take corses and I eventually went on to get a Master's degree and began to write. Split Vision is a visionary book and I wish I could have told him what a great book I thought it was. A great loss for all!

October 10, 2013 - 4:02pm

Jim Mastandrea, Houston, Texas

I met John when he became the CEO of University Circle Inc in Cleveland, Ohio. I admired his Humility, Humor, and Authenticity. Our friendship continued for about three years while i was in Cleveland. We were about the same age and both server our country in the military. About four years ago my wife and i ran into some mutual friends from Cleveland, while vacationing on St. John's island, and i learned that John was ill. Until recently, when searching for some current reference on John, found the notice of his passing. I also learned that he finished the book he was writing, as he had shared many of the stories with me from time to time when we were together in Cleveland. I was saddened and miss John. I wish we would spent more time together. I found a copy of his book which i truly enjoyed reading. He was both a gentle and gifted man and as well as a warrior. Beverly, both Christine and i hope you are doing well and would enjoy hearing from you. Jim

July 18, 2016 - 4:28pm

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John Wilbur Was Purple Heart Veteran

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