Shipmates,
It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of a WWII Shipmate
Warren Freeman Wildes
, 92, a retired home builder, went to his eternal custom-built home on August 8th, 2018, after a brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Warren was born in Willimantic, CT on November 19,1925, as the the youngest son of Willis (“Parker”) and Dorothy (Lamb) Wildes.
He grew up in Noank, CT and, at the age of 17, joined the U.S. Navy in January 1944. Warren served thought the end of WWII, and was seperated in May 1946 as as a EM3(SS). Warren was deployed in Submarines and was in the Hell Cats invasion of the Sea of Japan in 1945.
He Qualified in Submarines in 1945 on the USS Flying Fish (SS-229). Waren also served on the USS Corporal (SS-346).
After the war, Warren moved to Long Beach, CA where he fell in love with the woman he would marry, Emily David, a Connecticut native. They eventually returned to Connecticut, where Warren joined his father and brother in establishing W.P. Wildes & Sons Custom Building Company.
Throughout most of his life, Warren was an avid golfer. During his retirement years, he painted landscapes and rendered ocean-side scenes on lath and slate. Opera, Broadway musicals and classical music were a passion. He was a kind-hearted man who brought the gift of his smile and loving spirit to all. His memory remains vibrant in each of us.
Warren was a life member of the U S. Submarine Veterans Inc. (USSVI) Groton Base since 2000. He was very proud of his volunteer activities for his local chapter of World War II Submarine Veterans, where he served a term as president.
He was extremely proud that he was a distinguished member of the USSVI Holland Club, an honor for those submariners that were "Qualified in Submarines" for 50 years or more (since March 2001).
Warren was pre-deceased by his brothers: Robert, Russell and Kenneth (“Bunk”).
He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 70 years, Emily David Wildes of Groton; two beloved children, Doretta Wildes of Middletown, and Linda Wildes of Glastonbury; three adored grandchildren, Alex Maffucci of West Hartford, Emelie Winiski of Middletown and Max Maffucci of West Hartford; and his dear and only sister, Bette Thomson of Groton. He also leaves behind many caring nieces and nephews and their families. Special thanks to the nursing staff at Fairview for their loving care and support.
A memorial service will be held at Groton Congregational Church, 162 Monument Street, Groton, on Thursday, August 16th, 2018 at 4:30 p.m., followed by a reception at Par Four Restaurant, Groton.
The Honor Detail will muster at Groton Congregational Church (162 Monument Street, Groton) [ The Stone church up the hill from clubhouse] on Thursday August 16, 2018 at 1615. We are awaiting the time we will be going on from the minister.
Uniform should be black trousers, white (short sleeve) shirt, the Honor Detail tie (if you have one), black shoes, vest, and hat.
"There is a port of no return, where ships may ride at anchor for a little space.
And then some starless night the cable slips, leaving only an eddy at the mooring place. Gulls veer no longer, Sailor rest your oar.
No tangled wreckage will be washed ashore."
* Hand Salute * EM3(SS) Warren Freeman Wildes . . . Rest your oar. Ready Two !
