John U. “Wilky” Wilkinson, 72, of 11 Bern Court, Mystic, died Sunday evening at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London.
He was born in Mystic on July 27, 1931 the son of Leon and Nellie Wilkinson. Raised in Noank, he attended schools in the Groton School System. After receiving his education, he entered the US Navy where he served during the Korean War from 1949-1953, and later the Naval Reserves from 1960-1964.
“Wilky” was employed for the City of Groton Department of utilities from 1954 until his retirement in 1991.
He was a member of the Noank Baptist Church, the Mystic VFW Post #3263 and a Life member of the US Navy Cruisers Sailors Assoc.
He was married to Gail Dianne Steele Wilkinson on February 15, 1956 in Groton. In addition to his wife, he leaves his children, Deborah Brewer, Darlene Poe, and James Wilkinson, all of Mystic, and Dawn Hatcher of Ledyard and Jeffrey Wilkinson of Groton, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by a son, John U. Wilkinson Jr. in 1996.
A Private Family Service will be conducted at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic. There are no visiting hours. Donations may be made to the American Lung Association or The American Cancer Society.