A 1967 graduate of Hudson Falls High School, Gary Wilson continued his studies at St. Lawrence University graduating with a B.A. degree in Economics in 1971. He completed his formal education graduating from the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City in 1973. Upon his return to Hudson Falls, he joined the Carlton Funeral Home, which had been in his family since the late 1800’s and has kept the family tie as an owner and operator to this day.
The service that is exhibited by a Funeral Director has been a part of Mr. Wilson’s life and is clearly illustrated by his devotion to the Hudson Falls community. He has served on various Boards of both the Evergreen and Glens Falls National banks, is a Past President of the Hudson Falls Free Library and is a Past President of the Hudson Falls – Kingsbury Chamber of Commerce. In addition to these voluntary positions, he has been instrumental in making sure that the village of Hudson Falls is so beautifully decorated at Christmas. To that end he oversaw the construction of the Train House in the Village Park. He is also responsible for the many flower boxes seen throughout the village and has been an active member of the Sandy Hill Days committee. In that capacity he constructed the Chamber of Commerce Dunking Booth which has been used by so many organizations as a fundraiser.
He lists snow skiing, boating and water skiing, snowmobiling, woodworking and traveling as his hobbies and he is well known to be proficient in all of the above activities. Though we honor this Hudson Falls High School graduate for his outstanding service and potential as a role model for those who return to their roots, we are not the first to so honor Mr. Wilson. In 1997 Gary was the recipient of the Rotary Club Citizen of the Year Award and the Hudson Falls – Kingsbury Chamber of Commerce honored him with the Flowers to the Living Award in 2000.
Gary Wilson is the husband of Emmy Wilson and is the father of two children, Melissa of Arlington, Virginia and Nicholas of Baltimore, Maryland.