Edward H. Wilkens
...insurance Agencies in Tewksbury and Somerville; 74
TEWKSBURY - Edward H. Wilkens, 74, a well known insurance agent in both Tewksbury andSomerville, died unexpectedly Sunday morning, Aug. 1, at his Tewksbury home. He was thehusband of Joan A. (DeGregorio) Wilkens, with whom he would have celebrated a 54th weddinganniversary in October.
He was born in Bronx, N.Y., a son of Henry and Ann Wilkens, and attended Bronx publicschools. He lived the greater part of his life in Somerville before moving to Tewksbury ten yearsago.
During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Navy, assigned to the Mediterranean.
Upon discharge he forged a career in insurance as founder and former owner of WilkensInsurance in Tewksbury, and as a partner in the Richard George Insurance Agency in Somerville.
In earlier years, he was active in youth sports in Somerville, and well known throughout thefraternal organizations in Somerville, including membership in the Somerville V.F.W.
Besides his wife, he is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, William and Karen (DiSaia)Wilkens of Newburyport; one granddaughter, Samantha Wilkens; a sister-in-law, Grace Durstonof Somerville; two nieces and nephews, Diana and Stephen Heifitz of Somerville, Elise and herhusband Robert Fechtman of NJ; three grandnephews, Bobby, Michael, and Kurt; and his good friend Tetley.He was also brother of the late John Wilkens.
His Funeral Service was held Thursday, Aug. 5, in the funeral home. Interment with Navy Honors was inTewksbury Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the MSPCA - Angell, 350So. Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130, or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St.Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-1905.