Carl H. Wilson, Sr.

WEST BROOKFIELD: Carl H. Wilson, Sr., 77, of W.Brookfield, died very unexpectedly, Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024 en route by ambulance to Harrington Memorial Hospital after being stricken ill at home.  Carl had suffered many illnesses these last few years.

He leaves his wife of 56 years, Mary S. (Los) Wilson, his daughter Michelle R. Chavez and her husband Michael of Portsmouth, N.H., his son, Carl H. Wilson, Jr. and his wife, Andrea of Auburn, his grandchildren; Manny Chavez, Madelyn and Abigail Wilson, Kade, Keegan and Kessa Moore and Stephen Massarone, as well as many cousins, friends, former colleagues and students.

He was born in Worcester, the son and only child of G.Harwood and Madeline A. (Desrosiers) Wilson. Growing up on a farm, he had a love of wildlife and nature.  His favorite places to be, up until his passing, were with his wife, Mary at their home and on their farmland. The farm was sacred to him and gave him peace of mind.  Carl loved poetry which he enjoyed sharing with his family and students whom he loved and respected. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He was constantly reading and was fearful that he would die before he could read everything that he wanted to.  Carl usually had a book in his hand everywhere he went.

Carl was a true educator in every way. He graduated from David Prouty High School in 1964, received his Bachelor of Arts from Assumption College in 1968 majoring in European History and Political Science, his Master of Arts in History from Assumption in 1974.  Carl then attended Clark University in Worcester, MA, earning his Masters in Russian and European History in 1981, and completed Advanced Studies to earn his Ph.D., (ABD) in Russian, Chinese, English and German History.

Carl was a teacher at St. John's High School in Shrewsbury for 47 years, where he also served as Academic Dean, Director of Admissions, Instructor of History, established and coordinated the first Advanced Placement Program at St. Johns, was Department Chair of History and founded the Model United Nations Program which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. He began the first Advanced Placement Program of studies at St. John's and Notre Dame Academy.  He taught Advanced Placement Modern European History and Russian History. After teaching for 47 years, he retired from St. John's, but his love for teaching brought him back for another 6 years at Notre Dame Academy in Worcester where he established the first UN Program and taught History and English. He taught at Assumption College, Anna Maria College, and Clark University. Carl thoroughly enjoyed and respected each individual student for the person that they were. He retired from all teaching at the age of 74. He continued conversations by email and in person with former students and colleagues. "Mr.Wilson", "Professor Wilson", was loved by so many, and touched the lives of 1,000's of students, making such a huge impact on their lives and was so inspirational to so many.

Carl was passionate about teaching and he shared that passion with his students. He practiced his faith through every word he spoke and actions.  He was a kind, honest, unassuming man and was truly interested in others. He was a gracious, loving man, husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend. Carl was heartbroken when he was forced to retire because of illness.

Carl met Mary, the love of his life, when they were 16 years old, attending David Prouty High School. Their 56th wedding Anniversary was going to be on April 27th, 2024. He and Mary loved their life together and treasured every second of their lives in love together. He enjoyed just being with Mary, having quiet times alone. In total, they were together for 62 years.  The other loves of his life were his children, Michelle and Carl. He was so proud of his children and then found his other loves in all of his grandchildren. He was so admired and loved by his family, his friends, students and his colleagues.

Carl was the most compassionate man who had such a positive outlook on life. Even if he was not well, he would still always say "I am doing fine". He never wanted anyone to worry about him, or inconvenience anyone in any way. He always put others first and took care of family and friends.  He would never let anything slow him down, had the biggest heart and was always helping others. A kind man, soft spoken, with the biggest heart, he had the ability to make anyone he met feel like they had already known him for a lifetime. He knew someone everywhere he would go, whether it be a former student, parent of student, friend or colleague. He had multiple generations of students and their families. His smile and his sense of humor were contagious. If you knew him, you loved him. This world will not be the same without him.

Carl belonged to myriad professional organizations.  He also served as Consultant for the Advanced Placement division of the College Board; was recipient of the National Endowment for the Humanities Grant, recipient of 3-year summer grant at Harvard University; Member of the Pushkin Sister City Project: Executive Committee; Instructor of Advanced Placement Workshops in AP Modern European History 1993-94

The family will have a private service to honor Carl at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Carl H. Wilson, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Saint John's High School, 378 Main St. in Shrewsbury, Ma.01545 and The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, 72 River Park St Suite 202 Needham Heights, Ma 02494

The J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer is assisting the family with arrangements.