Obituary: William 'Les' Wilcox, 92

The following is from Weir-MacCuish Golden Rule Funeral Home.

William L. “Les” Wilcox, 92, a lifelong resident of Malden, passed away on Saturday, March 15, at the Leominster Hospital in Leominster. He was born at home on April 14, 1921, the son of William and Vada (MacKay) Wilcox and lived throughout his life in that same neighborhood.

He was a WWII veteran having served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Stockdale as a gunners mate. He was discharged honorably in 1945 and returned to Malden. Les had been employed as a developmental engineer in the shoe industry, working for Converse Rubber, International Vulcanizing, and Compo Industries. Even after his retirement, he continued to work part time.

In 1945, he married his sweetheart, Phyllis M. Adams, and the two settled down in Malden together. They shared 50 years together until Phyllis’ passing in 1995. He later found companionship with Marion Gingras of Somerville.

Les is survived by his daughter, Diane Powers of Shirley, and his grandsons, Michael Powers of Melrose and Eric Powers of Goffstown, N.H., and their families.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis M. Wilcox, his parents, William and Vada Wilcox, and his brother, Harold Wilcox, formerly of Woburn.

Funeral services will be held at the Weir-MacCuish Golden Rule Funeral Home, 144 Salem St., Malden, on Thursday, March 20, at 11 a.m. Interment to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 19, from 5-7 p.m.