Barry James Wilson, 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in Kingston, NH. He was born in York, ME, to Virginia Brackett Hook and Stanley Wilson.

Raised in Kittery ME, he graduated from Robert W. TraipAcademy in 1956, and that same year began his service with the United States Navy. He later continued his service in the Navy Reserves, retiring in 1968.

Barry built a long and accomplished career in television and broadcasting. He worked as a Broadcast Engineer at Channel 11 at the University of New Hampshire and later served as Vice President of Engineering at Lessard Taylor Communication in Needham, MA, where he remained until his retirement in 1998.

Barry made his home in several places that marked important chapters of his life, including Kittery, ME and North Hampton, NH, before retiring in Mulberry, TN.

Barry was a man of many interests and an extraordinary depth of knowledge. He loved collecting just about anything, from cars to firearms, and took great pride in restoring cars and vintage rifles. He enjoyed trap shooting and was particularly knowledgeable about automobiles, firearms, and the history behind them. His interests brought him to the Hampton Rod and Gun Club in North Hampton, NH, and the Whiskey Runners Car Club in Lynchburg, TN, both of which became meaningful parts of his life.

For those who knew Barry, he was the person you could turn to for just about anything. He was always willing to help and was generous with his time and knowledge. He had a wonderful way of giving back to people, and he especially enjoyed it when that generosity was returned in kind. He also had a few quirks that his family will never forget. Every dog, regardless of its actual name, somehow became either “Fred” or “Rufus.”

In 1963, he married the love of his life, Rosalie Crites Wilson of Coffeen, IL beginning a remarkable journey that spanned 63 years of marriage. Together they built a life rooted in love, devotion, and unwavering partnership. Rosalie was at the center of Barry’s happiness, his constant source of strength and companionship, and the life they shared together formed the heart and foundation of the family he cherished so deeply.

He was incredibly proud of his children, Jeffrey Wilson and his wife, Dawn, of North Haven, CT; Leslie Sheehan of Danville, NH; and Jennifer Wilson Panebianco and her husband, Michael,of Concord, NH.

He was also a proud grandfather to Robert Weinburg, Brian Bucknam, Christopher Wilson, Ryan Wilson, Abigail Wilson, Thomas Panebianco, and Elizabeth Panebianco, and a great-grandfather to Rosemary and Audrey Weinburg.

Barry is survived by his sister, Sharyn Smith of Stratham, NH, and brother, Thomas Brackett of New York. He was predeceased by his siblings, Merrie Russell of Stratham, NH, and Doug Brackett of Dexter, ME.

Barry will be remembered for his remarkable knowledge, his love of collecting and restoring the things that fascinated him, his willingness to help others, and his unmistakable personality. Most of all, he will be remembered for the love he shared with Rosalie and for the deep pride he took in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family will carry forward the many stories, lessons, laughter, and memories that made Barry uniquely himself.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at J.S. Pelkey & Son Funeral Home, 125 Old Post Road, Kittery, ME 03904.