William A. "Skip" Wilson

William Alan “Skip” Wilson, age 82, passed away peacefully July 12, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His loving family was by his side.

Born July 21, 1940, in Somerville NJ, Skip was the son of the late William Alan Raffensperger and Ruth (Tuttle) Wilson. He grew up in the Somerset County area, and was a 1958 graduate of The George School, in Newtown PA, where he excelled in sports: specifically football, wrestling, and baseball. He later graduated from Rider University, with a BA in Business Administration.

Skip married Rosemary Shappelle in 1965. She was the love of his life. They had two daughters, Holly and Amy; and Skip happily built a life around his family. He was a true outdoorsman and felt most at home in nature; and in particular, fishing off his dock on Colony Lakes, Manahawkin. In addition to collecting and refinishing primitive antiques, Skip was an avid sports fan, and closely followed Rutgers University Football, the NY Mets, and the NY Giants. Teaching and sharing his love of nature and animals with his grandchildren was one of his greatest lifetime joys.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife Rosemary of 56 years, his dear brother Richard Wilson, his stepfather Dr. Robert C. Wilson, and his stepmother, Thelma Raffensperger. He is also survived by his daughters, Holly Bormann and husband Chris of Flemington NJ, and Amy Schlack of Audubon PA. Skip is also survived by a sister, Carolyn Heller of Annandale NJ, and two half-brothers, Alan Henry Raffensperger of Sigtuna, Sweden and David Wilson of Little Compton, RI. Skip was blessed by, and loved his five grandchildren, Dr. Bradford Bormann and wife Brittany, Kate Bormann, Caroline Bormann, Lauren Schlack, and Alexander Schlack.

A joint memorial service is being planned for Skip and Rosemary Wilson in the near future. Details to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hunterdon Hospice at www.hunterdonhealth.org/services/hunterdon-hospice or by calling 908-788-6600.

Arrangements and cremation services are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.holcombefisher.com.