Wilson Thomas Veal, beloved husband and father, passed away on November 1, 2024. He was born February 16, 1945, the son of Elsie (Oleshevska) and John James Veal. He attended Quaker Hill Elementary School, graduated from Waterford High School in 1963 and completed the apprentice program at EB to become a welder and follow in his father’s footsteps.
He was very skilled at billiards, earning money winning games locally and in New York City and at age 17 helped manage a pool room in New London. He stayed active playing tennis, swimming, riding his bicycle and working out at the gym and spa. He was a member of the Quaker Hill Baptist Church, Quaker Hill Fire House and a life member of Lodge #360 New London Elks. For 25 years he was employed at Millstone, took an early retirement offer from Northeast Utilities and, after working since the age of fourteen, retired at fifty-five.
Wilson was kind, generous, easy-going, happy and had a positive outlook and a good heart. He enjoyed Mohegan Sun basketball, traveling, Alabama football, crabbing, fishing, feeding the birds, photography, seafood, cooking (he was an excellent chef), gardening and sharing the produce with family, friends and neighbors. Two of his favorite things were hot tubs, particularly the one at his son’s, Michael’s home and steak nights at the Yantic Fire House. He was an avid investor in the stock market and was known at Millstone as “Wall Street Willie”.
He liked socializing and talking with his many friends and loved spending time with his family and Tuesday lunches with his brothers. He enjoyed being by the water and was very fond of the Gulf Coast from Biloxi to Fort Myers, especially Panama City Beach as a winter “snow-bird”.
Wilson was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Robert Veal. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol (Barnes) Veal; children Cynthia Booth, Caren Gahagan (Mitchell), and Michael Veal (Frances); seven grandchildren, three great- grandchildren; brother, Joseph Veal, sister-in-law Roberta Veal and brother-in-law Errol Barnes.
We did everything possible to help Wilson, especially his son, Michael, who worked tirelessly to make sure he had the best care available. Wilson will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We are thankful for our many years of special memories. A celebration of his life will be held at the Elks 360 lodge on Sunday November 17th at 1 pm. 81 Washington St, New London, CT 06320
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