William L. Wilkinson, Jr., at 83

William L. Wilkinson, Jr. passed peacefully in his home on February 16, 2024 after a long battle with dementia and cancer.

Mr. Wilkinson was born in Milford on May 18, 1940, to William Sr and Mary (Kellett). He was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy Bentley.

Mr. Wilkinson’s love of adventure led to him enlisting in the U.S. Army and becoming a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He then went to work at GM to support his growing family. In 1971 he discovered ironworking and that became his profession and passion. Mr. Wilkinson was an active member of Local 7 Ironworkers, with 50 years of service, at the time of his death.

His love of the ocean and riding his Harley led to his family moving to Nantasket Beach in 1997. He would spend three months each winter in Florida, starting in the Keys and working north to Daytona before heading home to take up his spot on the seawall as the “mayor.”

Mr. Wilkinson was also a proud “Friend of Bill W” for more than 40 years. He wore a multitude of hats and will be remembered for too many reasons to mention; he left a large hole and is missed daily.

Pop was predeceased by Gram, Gayann Bauer Wilkinson, his wife of 60 years. In addition, he leaves four children: Mary of Hull, Wendy Bretton and husband Gary of Bridgton, Maine, William III of Dorchester, and Christopher, who is travelling the country building bridges, currently in Virginia; 11 grands: Mary-Mimi, Sara, Pete, Billy IV, Dave, Alanna, Emmett, Aidan, Christopher, Catelyn, and Cole; and seven great-grands: Kellen, Rory, Addie, Ronan, Jade, Alice, and Rhys.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, May 18, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St., Hingham.

For more information and online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com.