Harvey Joseph Wilson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father and grandfather, Harvey J Wilson. Dad passed away in his home on Saturday, August 14, 2021.

Harvey Joseph Wilson was born in 1927 to Nellie Fitzpatrick Wilson and Henry H. Wilson in his beloved San Francisco. Sadly, Harvey went into foster care when his mother passed away, and he joined the Merchant Marines in 1943. He served in World War II in the Atlantic and Pacific War Zones. He later transferred to the Navy where he served in the Korean War. Harvey served in the Navy until 1964. He is most proud of his military service. Harvey lived most of his life in South San Francisco where he married and raised a family.

After returning from the Navy, Harvey joined the Stationary Engineers Union Local 39. He worked in various jobs in the Bay Area, mostly at Dubuque Meatpacking, South San Francisco and ending his career at Moscone Center in San Francisco. Harvey loved to fix things and if anyone had any type of mechanical problem, he would be there ASAP to fix it, no matter how difficult it was. He also loved trying his luck at the horse races and loved nothing more than hitting a winner and then taking everyone out to dinner. Harvey would unabashedly brag about his grandchildren and spoil them every chance he had. Most grandkids remember a fully stocked candy closet in the garage.

Harvey was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years, Regina Roach Wilson. He is survived by his four children and their spouses: Joanne (Kevin) Rooney of Morgan Hill, Mike (Patrice) Wilson of Newark, Mark (Kim) Wilson of Redwood City, and Susan (Steve) Mathews of Hayward; Harvey is also survived by his 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be held September 13th @1:00 pm at St. Veronica’s Catholic Church, 434 Alida Way, South San Francisco, followed by military funeral honors. Harvey will be forever in our hearts.

Born and raised in Iowa, Bruce served in the U.S. Army (1954-1959) as the chaplain’s assistant. At the end of his tour of duty he was stationed at the S.F. Presidio where he was honorably discharged.

He fell in love with San Francisco and resided there for the rest of his life. He spent 30 years working as an accountant for the SF Chronicle newspaper, where he was famous for his sartorial elegance. He cherished his Castro Street apartment where he lived for 56 years, which resembled a royal residence. Bruce appreciated the finer things in life. Over the years he immensely enjoyed the company of his felines: Felicia, Charlie, Moose, and Chloe. He loved classical music and was a voracious reader of mystery novels and historical fiction. He was a gentle and kind man, and always a wonderful friend.

Services will be private at the San Francisco Columbarium and Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the SF SPCA or a cat/dog rescue organization of your choice.