Obituary of Louis D. "Lou" Wilkinson

Louis D. Lou Wilkinson 78 years, husband of the late Ann F. Nancy (Morris) Wilkinson, died unexpectedly Thursday at his home. Mr. Wilkinson was born on August 8, 1925 in Peabody son of the late Joseph and Eva (Cronin) Wilkinson. He was raised and graduated from Peabody High School Class of 1925. He then enlisted in U.S. Navy during WWII and served as a Yeoman First Class. Following the war he pursued his education and received his Bachelors degree in Business from Boston University. Mr. Wilkinson began his working career as a reporter for the Daily Evening Item in Lynn. He was then employed for 30 years at the Bandwagon Importing Company in Wilmington retiring in 1997 as manager. Mr. Wilkinson was very involved in St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody as the treasurer of St. Vincent de Paul, Eucharistic Minister and worked the Beano for many years. Due to his outstanding service an dedication to St. John the Baptist Parish, he was one of the first recipient of the Legacy Award. He was a member of the Discalced Carmelite Sisters in Danvers and Friends of Gettysburg. He loved researching articles about the Civil War. He is survived by 2 daughters and their husbands, Mary and Michael Mahoney of Topsfield, Carol and Fred Whitney of Salem; a son, James M. Wilkinson of Peabody, 3 grandchildren, Patrick, Jonathan and Julia Mahoney all of Topsfield and several nieces and nephews. He was pre deceased on March 29, 2004 by his brother Joseph Leo Wilkinson. His funeral will be held Tuesday at 8 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 20 Church St., Peabody location followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours Monday 5 to 8 p.m. Burial in St. Mary’ s Cemetery, Salem. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 17R Chestnut St., Peabody MA 01960.