Stephen Greeley Wilkerson of Hanover, N.H. and Oak Bluffs died peacefully at home in New Hampshire on April 24.
Steve was born March 29, 1941 to Oscar A. and Marian Perkins Wilkerson. He grew up in Colonia, N.J., attended the Pingry School, and graduated from Middlebury College in 1963 with a bachelors in geography. While in high school he met his future wife, Katherine Hodgkinson. They married in 1967 and raised three children while living in Englewood and Chatham, N.J.
After graduating from Middlebury, Steve joined the Army where he was in the Counter Intelligence Corps. Following an honorable discharge, he began working for Nabisco in 1966 where he would spend the next 35 years. Steve excelled professionally at Nabisco, moving between leadership positions in strategic planning, marketing and sales. Steve retired in 2000, and he and Kathy moved to Hanover, N.H. in 2013.
Wherever Steve lived he was actively involved and committed to his community. Over the years he served as the treasurer of the Englewood Field Club, was an active member of the Englewood Presbyterian Church and the Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, president of the East Chop Tennis Club, president of his Hanover condo association, and volunteered with Upper Valley SCORE and the Montshire Museum.
Steve is remembered fondly for his humor, ingenuity and thoughtfulness. Throughout his life he cultivated a close-knit yet ever expanding network of friends. No road trip was too long or detour too far if it meant visiting friends and family. When it came to humor, Steve was in a league of his own. The more creative and unexpected he could be, the better. Many friendships were built on the understanding that if Steve was in the house, there was good natured mischief in the works.
A master of logistics, Steve put these skills to good use every chance he got. During summer trips to Martha’s Vineyard he somehow managed to stack a Sunfish sailboat, a luggage pod and five bikes atop the red Volvo wagon for the fast-paced drive to the ferry. His family was dubious but he was confident — and usually successful. Many of these vacations were spent with close friends and extended family, creating lasting memories and nurturing the close connections Steve loved.
Steve is survived by Kathy, his wife of 53 years; daughters Stephanie and Tracey; son Jim; sister Wendy Pyper; and numerous grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Oscar A. Wilkerson III.
Donations in Steve’s memory can be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Infusion Clinic, c/o MVH Development Office, PO Box 1477, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Rand-Wilson Funeral Home of Hanover, N.H.
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