Al Wilson, 89, of Kimberton
Almon H. Wilson, 89, of Kimberton died Monday, October 9, 2017 at Season’s Hospice in Phoenixville. Al was a fiercely independent man who was fortunate and determined enough to live in his cherished home on Kimber Drive until the last week of his life.
Al was born June 21, 1928 to Catherine and Thomas Wilson, who raised him on his family’s farm on Saint Andrew’s Road in Kimberton. As a child, he learned to milk cows, bale hay, and fix just about everything. His abundant lifetime experiences made him the person everyone in his family sought out for wisdom and advice.
Al graduated from Spring City High School and still enjoyed attending class reunions as recently as this past year. After high school, Al attended West Chester College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. He also met Louise Manahan there who would become his treasured wife and partner for 64 years.
Upon graduation, Al pursued his teaching career at East Pikeland School in Kimberton. Later in life, he would refer to teaching as his best and favorite job. While teaching fifth grade, Al earned his Master’s Degree in School Administration from Temple University.
Al subsequently became Principal at Springfield Elementary School in Springfield, Pennsylvania and later served as the Executive Director of the Delaware County Intermediate Unit. After retiring, Al started a new adventure that included camping, traveling, gardening, golfing, cooking and appreciating all the world had to offer.
Al was the father of three daughters who feel incredibly blessed to have had him as their dad: Pat Andrews married to Earle Andrews, living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania; Cathy Glaab, married to Richard Glaab, residing in Superior, Colorado; and Joan Wilson Vincenz married to Gary Vincenz, Salinas, California. Al was also the proud “Poppy” of five grandchildren, Charles Boice married to Christine, Princeton, New Jersey; Catherine Gage married to Daniel Gage living in Boston; Joshua Glaab who resides in New Haven, Connecticut; Laura Glaab Sanders married to Jason Sanders, living in Denver, Colorado; Justin Andrews married to Hayley Andrews, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.
Al was also greatgrandfather to Emma Boice, Cambria and Gwyneth Andrews, and Zoey Gage.
In addition to his wife, Louise, Al was predeceased by his five sisters: Amy, Catherine, Bob, Sue, and Sally and one brother Johnny.
On Monday, October 16, 2017, relatives and friends are invited to a visitation (10 to 11am) and memorial service (11 am) at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Ltd., 329 N. Lewis Road, Royersford, PA, Rev. Sturge Poorman officiating. A short graveside service will follow immediately at East Vincent Church Cemetery, 282 Hill Church Road, Spring City, PA.
Because of Al’s love for the history of the area, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chester County Historical Society (CCHS) at 225 N. High Street, West Chester, PA 19380 (Attn: Marcia Carnes “in memory of Al Wilson.”)
After Louise died in 2015, Al greeted each morning by sending a text to his three daughters just to let them know he was doing okay. The messages often included pictures of his flowers, his tomatoes, the fox and deer in his yard and a beautiful appreciation for each day. His girls will miss those wonderful daily reminders of the awesome dad they had.
View obituaries or send condolences at w w w.catagnusfuneralhomes.com