Wendall M. Wilbar

Wendall M."Wil" Wilbar Jr., 78, of Goffstown, passed away August 13, 2009 at the Elliot Hospital. He was born in Laconia on April 10, 1931, the son of Wendall M. and Evelyn (Borden) Wilbar Sr. He lived throughout the world during his military career but had been a Manchester area resident since 1970. He was a twenty one year United States Air Force veteran and served during the Korean War, retiring from the service as a Master Sergeant. He had also worked for several years at the New Boston Air Force Station until his retirement. Wil and his wife Bonnie first met while roller skating. Later in life, they were competitive roller skaters, winning many championships, including a National Placement. He also judged roller skating competitions. He had been a football, basketball and softball official. Earlier in his life, he played hockey in high school and in the Air Force. He also loved playing squash. A lover of musical theatre, Mr. Wilbar was a house manager at the Palace Theatre for over 25 years. In His Life: Family members include his wife of 56 years, Veronica "Bonnie" (Bacon)Wilbar; one daughter, Karen Chauvette of Manchester; three sons, Steven Wilbar and his wife Anne of Derry, David Fickett-Wilbar and his wife Debra of Durham, and Alan Wilbar of Goffstown; seven grandchildren, Nathan Chauvette, Elizabeth Fickett-Wilbar, Evan Chauvette, Nicholas Chauvette, Eva Grace Wilbar, Caitlin Chauvette and Christopher Wilbar; three great grandchildren, Ashlyn, Wesley and Mara Chauvette; two half sisters, Jane Souza of East Falmouth, MA and Judi Monaghan of Rowley, MA; a half brother, Bradford Smith of CO; and nephews, nieces and cousins. Calling hours are Tuesday from 4 to 8 PM at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Avenue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 10:00 in St. Lawrence Church, Goffstown. Donations may be made in his memory to the Easter Seals, 555 Auburn Street, Manchester, NH 03103. After cremation, urn burial with military honors will take place on Thursday morning at 11:00 in the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH. To view an on-line obituary, sign a guest book or more information, go to www.phaneuf.net