Wilson P. Ware, 84, a former resident of Sherman where he was involved in community activities for many years, died Sunday at his home in Heritage Village, Southbury. Mr. Ware was the husband of Joyce C. Ware. Born in New York City, June 11, 1913, he was a son of Arthur and Florence Ware. He was a 1932 graduate of St. George’s School, Newport, R.I. He then graduated from Yale University in 1936 and the Yale University School of Drama in 1939. A veteran of World War II, he served with the 86th Mountain Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division. He was wounded during combat duty in Italy and was awarded a Bronze Star for organizing defenses against enemy counterattack while subjecting himself to intense artillery and mortar fire. Mr. Ware moved to Sherman in 1951 and was an active member of The Sherman Players for many years. In 1954, he joined the editorial board of The Sherman Sentinel and served for 25 years. He was editor for 11 years and drew the pen and ink sketches of Sherman scenes which appeared on many of The Sentinel’s front pages. Mr. Ware’s sketches have since been gathered into two collections with a third and final collection due to be published later this year. In 1991, he assembled and edited for The Sherman Historical Society a collection of articles, stories and poems that appeared in The Sentinel from 1947-1987. During his years in Sherman, Mr. Ware served as chairman of the Beach Committee, the Town Planning Committee, the Sherman Library Board and the Sherman Town Hall Building Committee. For 20 years, he served as Sherman’s probate judge. He was also secretary to the Sherman Community Development Plan Committee which worked toward the purchase of significant areas of land for town use and recreation. Since moving to Heritage Village, he donated designs for the war memorial in front of Sherman’s Old Town Hall. During his career, Mr. Ware worked for the Boys Club of New York and the East Side Settlement House. He wrote, produced and designed scenery for plays. He also designed church furniture and both private houses and public buildings. He also participated in a Georgia-based land conservancy effort. Between 1970 and 1986, he taught art and architecture at the Buxton School in Williamstown, Mass. Of all his activities, Mr. Ware said that teaching meant the most to him. Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Arthur E. Coates; a granddaughter; and a step-grandson. Contributions in his memory may be made to The Sherman Historical Society, Sherman 06784, or to the Buxton School, Stone Hill Road, Williamstown, MA 01267, or to Hospice at Home, Southbury VNA, 800 Main St., Southbury 06488. A memorial service will be conducted at a later date. The Carpino Funeral Home, 750 Main Street South, Southbury, was in charge of cremation arrangements.

Source:  News-Times, The (Danbury, CT) – Monday, August 25, 1997