Vincent E. Wilson

A gathering to celebrate the life of Vincent E. Wilson, 79, of Mentor-on-the-Lake, will be

held Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 1-5 PM at the Lake History Center, 415 Riverside Drive, Painesville, OH 44077. Details can be found at this link, or call /text 440-725-4721 if you plan to attend.

Mr. Wilson passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 29, 2023.

Born October 28, 1944 in Cleveland, he has lived in Mentor-on-the-Lake for the past 51 years.

A veteran of the United States Air Force who served during the Vietnam War, he enjoyed outdoor photography and won awards for his ceramic creations, which were inspired by Ohio’s native flora & fauna.

He was a dedicated volunteer as a redcoat for Playhouse Square in Cleveland, as a troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 103 in Lake County, and as a poll worker for the Lake County Board of Elections.

A lover of theater, Vincent spent many years as a performer, director and stage manager for community theater performances across Northeast Ohio. Since 2009, he volunteered with the Lake History Center, helping to coordinate fund-raising initiatives, historical re-enactments, holiday events and working as an archivist managing the Center’s growing collection of historical documents and papers.

Mr. Wilson was employed as an English teacher in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, retiring in 2006 after 30 years of service, having taught at Carl F. Shuler, Cleveland School of the Arts, Collinwood High School and North High School. He stressed the importance of artistic and athletic expression among his students, encouraging their involvement in theater productions and on the golf, tennis and chess teams. His colleagues remember him as a dedicated and creative teacher, as well as a friend.

Survivors are his wife of 55 years, Patricia L. (Boyd) Wilson; sons, Ryan (and wife Sara) and Cole, beloved granddaughter, Frances and Tanner, the latest in a long line of good dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Laura (Prazar) Wilson and brother, Henry (Mary Ellyn) Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the Lake History Center (https://lakehistorycenter.org/).