Clare L Wilson

Clare L Wilson, 74, of North East, died on Saturday May 14th, 2022, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family after an almost ten-year battle against cancer. He was born on July 7th, 1947, in Erie, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Howard and Irene Wilson. 

Clare graduated from North East High School in 1965 and joined the ’65 Lunch Bunch after the passing of his wife Barb in 2020. He enjoyed their monthly outings and catching up with his classmates. Clare was a very social person, as many know, and loved telling stories. 

He was formerly employed by, and retired from, General Electric in Erie, Pennsylvania. Since his retirement, he held many small jobs to pass the time, like driving cars for McKay Swift and working at Country Fair in North East. 

But one of his favorite things to do in his spare time was being a member of the Fire Department. He joined Wesleyville Fire Department in 1983 and fought many fires over the years. After moving to North East, he joined Fuller Hose Co. #1 in 2008 as a Fire Police officer. He remained an active member of Fuller Hose, where he held many different positions, including Secretary, Fire Police Captain and Chaplin. He will forever be remembered by his Fuller Hose family with their dedication of Brush Truck 216, which illuminates his name. During Cherry Festival week, you could find him calling Bingo or walking the fair grounds. 

Clare also enjoyed counted cross stitch, as well as collecting firefighter memorabilia, paper weights and other knickknacks. He loved the holidays, especially Christmas, and always went overboard with the decorations. You could also find him cruising around in one of his many different sport or classic cars that he owned over the years. On Sundays, he attended the North East First Baptist Church. Afterwards, you could find him watching NASCAR, as he was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan. He was well known in the community and could be found dining out at Harvest Inn, Freeport, Meeder’s, or getting dinner from any of the local establishments. 

In his final days at home, he enjoyed his diet coke and fish tank, which he loved. He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara, whom he married on June 17th, 1988, parents Howard and Irene Wilson, brother Eugene Wilson, and nephew Tom Wilson.

Clare is survived by his daughter Susan Wilson, granddaughter Heather Hetrick (Adam), granddaughter Alyssa Myers (Mike), great grandson Mikey, sisters Deanna Parker and Louise Freeman (Ray), sister-in law MaryLou Wilson, and many nieces and nephews. Clare’s family would like to thank Fuller Hose and Crescent Hose for giving him his last, and final, ride home from the hospital, as well as all of the staff at UPMC Hamot over the last year of hospital stays, the North East Community Nurses, Dr. Rothman and his nurse Nicole, and Dr Foti and his nurse Brittany. 

Friends may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East on Wednesday from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. The North East Fire Department will conduct a Fireman’s Prayer Service at 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Friends are also invited to attend a funeral service on Thursday at 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Officiating the service is Rev. Robert Klecan. Interment will be held at North East Cemetery. Per family request please wear casual attire, as Clare enjoyed being comfortable. Memorials may be made to the Clare Wilson Fund at the Erie Community Foundation 459 West 6th Street, Erie, PA, 16507, or Fuller Hose Co. #1, P.O. Box 646, North East, PA 16428.

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