John E. Wilson

John Edgar Wilson, age 76, entered the gates of heaven on November 24, 2018 in Pompano Beach, FL.  He was a native of Methuen, MA and graduated from Tenney High School in 1959.  John's career was a FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist and Supervisor Specialist at DC International Airport from 1967-1997, and he retired from Pompano Beach Airport in 2005.

An avid trumpet player, "Johnny Reb," first became involved in Drum and Bugle Corps with the Pontiac Chieftains, of Lawrence, MA.  He played with the United States Navy Drum and Bugle Corps at Great Lakes, IL, and then went on to perform with the Jacksonville, FL Buccaneers, Lt. Norman Prince Princemen, Baltimore Yankee Rebels and most recently, the Florida Brass of Tampa Bay.  In addition to performing, he was the business manager of the Yankee Rebels, editor of the Yankee Rebels monthly newsletter, and columnist for Drum Corps World and Drum Corps News.  He was an organizer and charter member of the International Corps Associates (ICA) Drum Corps Circuit, eventually serving as president and treasurer.  He was a horn judge for the service academy Drum and Bugle Corps competitions, and a judge for the National Twirling Judges Bureau. A highlight of his career was his induction into the Maryland Drum & Bugle Corps Hall of Fame in 2010.

John was a lifetime member of the Forest Street Union Church in Methuen, MA and a former member of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale and their Chancel Choir. Most recently, he was an active member and involved in the choir at New Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach, FL. His faith in our Lord has remained the foundation of his life and he now resides in the Arms of Jesus Christ.

John belonged to the John Hancock Masonic Lodge in Methuen, MA, AF and AM Scottish Rite, as well as the Amara Temple of the Shrine in S. Ft Lauderdale.

John was passionate about music, Drum and Bugle Corps, boating on "The Southwind," as well as sharing time with family and friends.  He was a dear neighbor and a significant part of his community at Emerald Towers Association, Pompano Beach, and will be greatly missed by all.

John was predeceased by parents, Joseph H. and Enid (Messer) Wilson; brother, Joseph (Bucky) Wilson; and sister, Carole (Wilson) Catteau.

He will be deeply missed by his devoted and caring sister, Jane (Wilson) Hindes and husband, Steve, of Derry, NH; his brother-in-law, Richard Catteau of Methuen; his Godchild and niece, Lynne Poublon of Athens, NY; many nieces, nephews, extended family and lifetime friends.  

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, December 3, 2018 from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.