TENANTS HARBOR — Albert W. “Al” Wilson Jr., 85, died Feb. 18, 2016, peacefully at home surrounded by his wife of 47 years, Elaine Wilson, and his sister-in-law, Susan Warshaw.

Born in White Plains, N.Y., on May 4,1930, he was the son of Albert Wilson Sr. and Ruth West Wilson. When asked where he was born, he was fond of saying he grew up in New Hampshire. After graduating from Kennett High School in Conway, N.H., in 1948, he went on to receive his bachelor’s of education from Plymouth Teacher's College in 1952, with a major in U.S. history and elementary education. He went on to get his master’s of education in elementary administration from the University of New Hampshire in 1961 and his Master of Arts in English from Whittier College in Whittier, Calif., in 1970.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1954. Following his service time, he taught elementary grades and was a teaching principal in Boscawen, N.H., and a supervising principal in Plaistow, N.H. He taught elementary grades at Otis Air Force Base in Falmouth, Mass., and was department head of a program for disadvantaged students in Onteora, N.Y.

He was an English teacher at Old Saybrook High School in Old Saybrook, Conn., and an English instructor at Middletown Community College in Middletown, Conn. His final English teaching position was at Rockland High School in Rockland, Maine.

He held a U.S. Coast Guard merchant marine officer certificate to operate commercial vessels up to 100 tons and was captain of several excursion vessels, as well as a research vessel. In addition he delivered vessels up and down the coast and from the island of Bermuda.

When he retired he moved to Tenants Harbor.

He was an excellent short story writer and a good grammarian. Al enjoyed all his sailing years and previously was instrumental in starting an active sailing program at Old Saybrook High School in Connecticut. His work as class agent for his graduating class from Plymouth Teacher's College kept all the friendships in close ties with one another and the college.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; and his three sons and their families, Peter Wilson, Kyah and Brieanne; Scott and Suzy Wilson, Fletcher, Madalyn, Olivia and Serena; and Mark and Winnie Simmons, Tory, Mark Jr. and Kristina; along with six great-grandchildren.

The family gives special thanks to Ellin Schooley and all the nurses and staff at hospice who helped Al and Elaine. So much gratitude goes out to Susan Warshaw and family, who allowed Elaine to spend so much time away from home, and all the friends and family who sent so much support.

In keeping with Al's wishes, a gathering celebration of family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Sail Power Steam Museum at 75 Mechanic St. in Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Plymouth State University Teacher's College Scholarship Fund, 17 High St., Plymouth, NH 03264 or St. George Fire Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 249, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860.

Hall's of Thomaston has care of the arrangements.