White River Junction, VT – William Everett Wilkinson, 72, died peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2024, at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care after a long illness. For the last two years, Lona, his partner of nearly twenty years, was ever present to provide loving care for him, enabling him to remain in his home for as long as possible.

Bill was born on February 27, 1952, in Derby, CT, the first son of William George and Madeline Ann (Elder) Wilkinson. He grew up in Connecticut and married Dianne Diebitsch in 1975. After spending summers in Etna and his brother Randy's move to Vermont, they decided to relocate and raised their two children in Hartland. In 2003, Dianne and Bill parted ways but stayed close friends for the remainder of his life living in White River Junction.

Bill's ability to understand and remember everything he read, heard, or saw and his eagerness to never stop learning about new subjects were perhaps his most brilliant attributes. This led to vast and varied encyclopedic knowledge ranging from geography, history, global and local politics, motorcycles, and his collection of knives. He loved to read and engage with others, even writing a daily blog post. Through his collecting and knowledge of subjects, his community of friends grew beyond the local and onto almost every continent.

He dearly loved his family and cherished every family gathering. He simply adored being in the company of his loved ones, sharing his own unique sense of humor and joy to bring light to everyone's days. He also practiced his Faith every day, praying for his family and friends every morning. He was kind to animals, feeding the chipmunks and birds every morning and evening, and enjoying the company of his dog, Rosie, every night.

He is survived by his partner of nearly 20 years Lona Elder of White River Junction; three children Joe Benedetto and wife Shannon of Old Lyme, CT, Eric Wilkinson of Claremont, NH, and Alison Robinson of Cavendish, VT; mother Madeline Wilkinson of Old Saybrook, CT; one brother Jeffrey Wilkinson and wife Linda of Enfield, NH; sister-in-law Robin Wilkinson of Old Lyme, CT; former wife Dianne Wilkinson of Claremont; six grandchildren Zak, Sam, Abby, Reeve, Owen, and Hannah; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends, near and far.

He was preceded in death by his father William G. Wilkinson, one brother Randy Wilkinson, and one son-in-law Tom Robinson.

A Celebration of Bill's life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 3 until 6pm at Knight Funeral Home in Windsor, VT.