Wilder August Paradise

JACKMAN – Wilder August Paradise passed away in his sleep on June 24, 2023, after a short illness at River Ridge Center in Kennebec, Maine. He was born on Nov. 18, 1930, in Long Pond Township to Albertine (Rancourt) and William J. Paradise.

One of 12 children, Wilder had a close knit family. They took care of each other growing up and spent time together as adults when they could. Wilder was a guide in his younger years and was a skilled trapper, fisherman and hunter. Those skills helped support his family when times were hard.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, William “Jay,” Jackie, Roland, Sherburn “Sherby,” Rodney, Roger “Bubby”, Howard ”Shupe” Paradise and Janice Lavallee.

Wilder was also predeceased by his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, Rosemarie (Massari) Paradise whom he married on Nov. 10, 1950. They moved to New York in 1951 where Wilder served as a First Class Petty Officer on the USS Parle during the Korean War. He was stationed in Norfolk, Va., and in Key West, Fla. Wilder completed course work in engines and boiler mechanics and served four years on the Parle before being honorably discharged in February of 1955.

Wilder and Rosemarie returned to Jackman where they raised three children. Wilder took over the local gas and repair station in Jackman and was the best mechanic and friend a community could have. Wilder fixed many vehicles in his time and he never turned a customer away for lack of money. He cared about the people of Jackman and made sure people had what they needed. In return the community cared for him and Rosemarie. Over the past several years people were generous in supporting Wilder while he lovingly cared for Rosemarie in the last years of her life. She passed away one day after their 70th wedding anniversary in 2020. Friends, family and neighbors continued to stop by to visit with Wilder and share a story or leave him with some wonderful meals. He loved the company and we are so grateful for all of this love and support from the Jackman community.

Wilder leaves behind his three children, Alan Paradise and his wife Mary of Pittsfield, N.H., Jeanmarie Paradise of Broomfield, Colorado and Richard Paradise of Jackman. He will be missed greatly by his grandchildren, Thaurin Paradise, Audrey Marie Kay, Shelby Hoeg and her husband Rob, Wilder Paradise, Mattie Paradise, DDS, and her husband Josh Audet, Bryce Paradise and Rigel Paradise. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren, Bennett Hoeg and Lillian Audet; brothers George and his partner Lucie Pepin, Garry and his partner Monique Damien, and a sister Delores (Dolly) Johnson. Wilder leaves many, many nieces and nephews, their children and his great-greats whom he loved to see at family reunions.

A service will be held August 14, at 10 a.m., at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery. A reception will follow hosted by the VFW Auxiliary #5723. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his memory to: Jackman Food Pantry, PO Box 207, Jackman, ME 04945.