Jack Wilson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John “Jack” Thomas Wilson, 78, on April 26, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, friend, colleague, teacher and mentor to many.

Jack was kind, witty, silly, generous, selfless and loved by so many---from family and friends to students, coworkers and parents of students. Born on January 30, 1945, in Albany New York to Fred and Doris Wilson, Jack grew up in Meadville, Pa with his brothers Wayne and Dick and his sisters, Janice and Jeanne, his twin. He graduated from Meadville High School, then moved to Maryland where he earned a teaching degree from Towson University and a master’s degree from Western Maryland University.

After graduation, Jack began teaching 6th grade at Wellwood Elementary School where he met his sweetheart and future wife Mary Lou Carson (the gym teacher at Wellwood.)

The couple married in 1971 and lived in Baltimore County and spent their early years hiking, biking, camping, playing tennis and traveling. They went on many adventures rafting, canoeing and exploring. They continued their adventures with their daughters Kristy and Kelly.

Jack taught for many years, and eventually became assistant principal, and then principal at Shady Spring Elementary School. He met many wonderful colleagues, students, and parents in the closeknit community---many whom became lifelong friends. He then became principal at Hillendale Elementary School where he made a lasting impact by serving as a father figure and mentor to many children in the community. He became a pack leader of a local Boy Scout troop and took many kids under his wing; by helping them academically, emotionally, and financially. Jack’s family often traveled with the troop on camping trips and shared many memorable experiences. To this day, many of these former scouts keep in touch with the family. They were deeply saddened to hear of Jack’s passing.

After Hillendale, Jack moved on to lead what would become Loch Raven Academy. For his tireless work on transforming the school into a much-sought-after magnet school, Jack earned the prestigious award of “Administrator of the Year” in 1996. His youngest daughter, Kelly, shares fond memories of her time at Loch Raven Academy when her dad was principal, and many of her friends and classmates admired and adored Jack.

Jack ended his career with Baltimore County Schools at Pine Grove Middle School in 2005. Many of his coworkers from previous schools had followed Jack to Pine Grove and were sad to see him go. When his oldest granddaughter, Julie, was born, Jack served as a full-time caregiver until Kristy became a stay-at-home mom and moved to Altoona, PA.

After retirement, he served a short stint as a contracted principal with Baltimore City Schools, before moving to his late parents’ house in Cumberland with Mary Lou.

In his retirement years, Jack spent time enjoying Cumberland, volunteering at his grandkids’ schools, spending time at the local library, substitute teaching in Cumberland, and visiting with his daughters and their families.

In 2018 Jack and Mary Lou moved to Georgia close to Kristy, her husband Scott and their three grandkids, Julie, Johnny and Josie. He and Mary Lou enjoyed dinners with families, picnics, and attending sporting events, performances and school activities for the grandkids. He loved spending time with family, and enjoyed many fun getaways even in later years, such as trips to Deep Creek Lake, Savannah, Disney cruise and Mexico. He and Mary Lou also loved traveling to Maryland to spend time with Kelly and her husband Rob, and their animals.

In the last couple years, Jack unfortunately struggled with health issues, but he fought hard and loved with all his heart until the end. He is loved and adored by so many and left a lasting impact on countless people.

He is predeceased by his parents Fred and Doris Wilson. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou, and his daughters Kristy MacKaben and Kelly Kettering; his grandchildren Julie, Johnny and Josie MacKaben; and his sons-in-law Scott MacKaben and Rob Kettering. He is also survived by his brothers Wayne and Dick Wilson and his sisters Janice Felipa and Jeanne Sweat, in addition to many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews  . 

We will miss him more than words can express. We will be hosting a large Celebration of Life September 9, 2023 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Essex Community College in White Marsh Maryland. Click on the Events page for complete information. All are welcome.