Dana R. Wilbur, 80, of Swansea, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2025 at Kent County Hospital. He was the longtime companion of Bertha E. Travis, they shared 44 years together.
Mr. Wilbur was born in Riverside, RI, son of the late Irving and Bessie (Grinnell) Wilbur and had resided in Little Compton for the majority of his life before relocating to Swansea a few years ago. Dana was in the National Guard after graduating high school. He went on to work as a truck driver for New Vermont Creamery and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Dana was also the personal driver for the late Secretary of the Navy, J. William Middendorf II. for over 25 years with whom he developed a deep friendship.
He enjoyed time with his family and friends watching the NY Yankees and NY Giants. Sitting by South Shore beach with Bertha and his Scottish Terriers over the years, camping, and cookouts. Joy rides through the country and stops at Gray's Ice Cream. Sunday services and praying for loved ones. Dana was a generous man always giving treats and surprises to everyone he loved. He was grateful and kind to all he knew. Dana was always there when we needed him. He was able to talk to anyone he met and put a smile on their face.
Survivors along with Bertha include her 3 children: John Travis of Swansea, Wayne Travis and his wife Cindy of SC and Kelly Travis and her husband Matt Lemieux of Somerset; granddaughter: Daisy Desnoyers-Besachio, her husband Matt Besachio and 2 great grandchildren: Owen and Emmett and his beloved dog Bailey.
Graveside service to which relatives and friends are invited will be Friday, January 9, 2026 at Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport at 11:00 A.M.