Obituary, William Arthur Wilbur

 

William Arthur Wilbur
William Arthur Wilbur, 93, of White Hollow Rd, Sharon, CT, died October 31, 2017 at Noble Horizons.

He was born January 2, 1924 in Sharon and made his lifelong residence. He graduated from Housatonic Regional High School in 1941 and grew up as a farm boy and started the Sharon Pheasant Farm in 1948.

He served the Town of Sharon in many capacities. He was a member of the town’s First Planning commission in 1950, a town assessor from 1952-1954 and Chairman of the finance board for 3 years from 1969-1971. He became the first selectman from 1971-1987 retiring to his home on a mountain top.
Some of the efforts while in office were the purchase of the Sharon Water Company in 1972; building a new municipal garage in 1973, buying the Sharon Drainage Company in 1976 and joining the town of Salisbury in opening the transfer station. His hand was in purchasing the former Masonic Hall as community center for the youth and elderly citizens of Sharon, the well and facilities at the Sharon Beach, the sand and salt building at the town garage and the Sharon Clock tower was completely renovated in 1976. His appointment of a Housing Committee which resulted in the building of Sharon’s 20 units of affordable housing was his last commitment as First Selectman of Sharon. He retired in 1987 and was an avid golfer for many years and enjoyed traveling to many foreign countries.

He was a corporator for the Litchfield County Bank, the Colonial Bank, the Bank of Boston Ct, the Falls Village Savings Bank and corporator, director and trustee of the Torrington Savings Bank.

He is survived by his son, Robert G. Wilbur and his daughter Diane W. Monroe, both of Sharon, CT. He leaves 3 grandchildren: Michael Wilbur of NC, Jon Wilbur of Sharon and Nicole Wilbur of Santa Monica, CA, 2 great grandchildren and a niece Shirley W. Perotti of Sharon, Nephews Edward and David Wilbur both of Sharon, James Wilbur of Arizona, Thomas Wilbur of San Antonio TX and Gerry Wilbur of Torrington, Ct, and other extended nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the First Church of Christ, Congregational in Sharon at a later date to be announced. All other services are private. Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to the Sharon Green Preservation Association, 22 Upper Main St. Suite 2 B. Sharon, CT 06069.

Author: Harlem Valley News