John Charles Wilsky, Sr.

AIKEN, SC - John C Wilsky, 78, passed away at his home in Aiken, SC May 5th, 2020 after a long battle with cancer.

John was born and raised in Tampa Florida, a son of the late Roy L. and Marjorie Simmons Wilsky.  He grew up on the creek at the end of a dirt road that became Wilsky Blvd. 

The first in his family to attend college, he graduated from The University of Florida in 1964 and was a life-long Gator fan.  He met his wife Janice at the UF ski club the summer before his December graduation and married her in January 1965. An Electrical engineer, he worked his entire 39 year career for Tampa Electric Company (TECO) before retiring in May 2000.  

John worked to live. He enjoyed the outdoors, including water skiing, sitting on the beach, hunting, camping and hiking.  As a young man he hunted quail and deer.  In 2005, John and Janice moved to Colorado to enjoy their grandchildren, Jacob and Addison Wilsky.  John relished the national parks of the west hiking more than 2,000 miles with the “100” Club hiking group.  He felt most at peace taking in the view from the top of the mountain and climbed several “14ers”.

In 2016, they moved back south to Aiken, SC.  They made fast friends with their neighbors in Woodside Plantation.  The family is so grateful for their love and steady support as Dad fought cancer. 

A loving husband and father, he was strong but silent, patient, compassionate and kind. A gentle giant.   

He is survived by Janice Wilsky, his wife of 55 years; daughter, Cynthia M Wilsky, (Kristen), Atlanta, GA;  son, John C. Wilsky, Jr. (Shaunna), New Castle, CO; grandchildren, Dana Nelson, Jacob and Addison Wilsky; siblings Jeanette Smith, Louise Burchell, Walter Wilsky.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Feeding America, The Nature Conservancy or the charity of your choice.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC