Mr. John David Wilhelm, age 87, of Salisbury. New York passed away peacefully at Alpine Nursing and Rehabilitation on October 10th, 2025, with his beloved wife by his side after a long-term battle with cancer.
He was born in Tolland, Connecticut on September 22, 1938, to the late John F. and Marilla A. Wilhelm. Growing up in Tolland, CT he attended the Tolland School District where he studied drafting in high school. He also enjoyed art, specifically drawing, and learned to play the piano, which was a talent he used often as a pianist in the churches he attended, and worked with his father at the Tolland DPW as road crew.
In his later teenage years, he began to attend the Rockville SOA Church where he was baptized and became a member of the SDA church. During his life, John attended many churches; the Everett SDA, NEHM SDA, Schenectady SDA, Herkimer SDA, and Rome SDA. As a member of the SDA church, he was introduced to the New England Memorial Hospital in Stoneham, MA, where he was employed for 38 years. He had many different occupations at NEMH; laundry supervisor, mailroom, security (Deputized by the Stoneham Police Dept.) and finishing his career in the printshop. His employment life included A-Plus Printing before moving to Albany, NY where he worked at AYCO until he retired. Upon his retirement, his wife and him purchased a home in Salisbury, NY where he enjoyed gardening and other hobbies.
It was at New England Memorial Hospital where John met the love of his life, Eleanor Jean Youker, they were married on June 28, 1964, in Fairfield, NY. The two shared 61 years in marriage. John and Eleanor resided in Stoneham, MA where they raised their two sons, David and Wayne.
John's faith in God (Christ Jesus) afforded him many service positions in the SDA church, he was a pianist, ordained Deacon, Ordained Elder, and a board member. In his lifetime he gained many friends whom he cherished deeply. His faith was strong and he and Eleanor's Christian values and love for each other were evident in his life.
He was predeceased by his parents, sister in laws; carol Brown, Earlene Youker, Joyce Youker, Deborah Blow, and Elizabeth Comstock. His brother in laws; William Youker Jr., Arnold Brown, Roselle Comstock. As well as his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Johns is survived by his wife Eleanor, sons David and Wayne, his sister, Mary (Wilhelm)Cox, brother in-law Steve Blow, and many nieces, nephews, cousin in-law, and friends.
John will be forever in our hearts.
This obituary is available to be viewed at the funeral home website at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.
Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.
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