John Richard Wilson, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully at 91 on January 10, 2022, in his home surrounded by loved ones. John was the youngest of three siblings. He was born in Quincy, MA to Herbert George of Noyan, Quebec and Dorothy Jane Marston of East Brownfield, ME on August 6, 1930.
John attended Calvin Coolidge High School in Washington DC. He earned a BS in Civil Engineering from Virginia Military Institute, after which, he honorably served as an officer in the US Army Corp of Engineers. Following his military service, John entered the University of Maryland where he earned a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering and produced a thesis which explored the effects on concrete of high energy impacts from sources such as nuclear blasts. After completing his master's degree, John received a Professional Engineer license in 1964.

John enjoyed a career ranging from research to field engineering to his own consulting business, Wilson Technologies, during which he built a legacy through being a mentor to countless engineers in the concrete industry that he loved.

His professional life enabled travel that he loved including a two-year stint in Saudi Arabia where he met lifelong friends. In addition to business travel, John and his wife Ada enjoyed many adventures together traveling throughout Europe and spending time in Bermuda. John had a special affection for Portugal and Russia where John and Ada made many trips. Enduring friendships were a hallmark of John's life. John's personality, wit and storytelling drew in people wherever he was. Where most people would remember acquaintances, John created lifelong connections. To his final days, John maintained those friendships from boyhood friends to college roommates to neighbors and those he met in his personal and professional life.
John was very active with VMI alumni and the American Concrete Institute where he was honored with a scholarship in his name in recognition of his service to the Institute. Additionally, John was a lifetime member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

John is predeceased by his parents, brother, and sister. John is survived by his loving wife, three children, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

A celebration of life is being planned for a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local volunteer fire department.