Richard “Dick” G. Wilkinson, 81, of Centre Hall, formerly of Boalsburg, died Monday, November 11, 2013 at UPMC Altoona.
Born on November 10, 1932 in Lewistown, he is a son of the late George and Maude Kennedy Wilkinson.
In November of 1956, he married Doris L. (Wentle) Wilkinson, who survives at home.
Dick graduated from Lewistown High School. During the Korean War, he served with the U. S. Navy earning a National Defense Medal, a United States Service Medal and a Korean Service Medal with one star. Dick was also proud to serve on the U.S.S. Wisconsin BB-64 Battleship. He was honorably discharged May 28, 1954.
For many years, he worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation retiring from that position as a Foreman in 1995. He also owned and operated Dick’s Barber Shop in Boalsburg during the 60’s and 70’s.
He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, his wife’s cooking, and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, but the thing he cherished most was spending time with family.
For the past 18 months, Mr. Wilkinson resided at the Hollidaysburg Veteran’s Home where he received assisted living care. Dick maintained his sense of humor and positive outlook through the trials and tribulations of his chronic illness.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Susan D. Hellier (Greg) of Beaver, PA and Christine A. Korman (Jeff) of Bellefonte; one son, Rick Wilkinson of State College; four grandchildren, Daniel G. Wilkinson, Joshua M. Korman, Brianna M and Robert G. Hellier; and one sister, Donna Potepan of Lewistown.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Gerald “Jerry” K. Wilkinson.
Friends will be received from 1:30 – 3:00 PM on Friday, November 15, 2013 at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall. Graveside services will immediately follow the visitation on Friday at Boalsburg Cemetery with the Reverend S. Leigh Pick officiating.
The Wilkinson family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Hollidaysburg Veteran’s Home for the excellent care and service they provided during Dick’s stay, and also a special thank you to Mr. Dave Garceau for his friendship and care towards Dick.
An on line guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.