David Marshall Wilder, 85, of Peterborough, Hancock, and most recently of Englewood, FL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Jack Byrnes Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon.
David was born in Peterborough, on January 19, 1939, to the late Marshall Peterson Wilder and Edith Theodate Baldwin. He graduated from Peterborough Consolidated School, class of 1956, and continued his education at the University of New Hampshire and Keene Teachers College.
In 1963 David, along with his father, founded Wilder Motors, Inc., beginning on upper Union Street in Peterborough, and later on Concord Street, selling Buick, Saab, Opel, and Kubota tractor until its closing in 1980. David continued his work in automobile sales with Tulley Buick in Nashua, and worked in advertising sales for Keene Shopper News, and Newton Studios in Englewood, FL until his retirement.
In the 1970s David served on the Hancock Planning Board and the Hancock Board of Selectmen, the North Shore Buick Club as president and treasurer, and as treasurer of the Monadnock Automobile Dealers Association. He was a member of the Peterborough Lions Club, serving as president in 1971-72. David served as president of the Englewood Gardens Beach Club, 2008-2012, and worked on many improvements to the club. He enjoyed motorcycle trips with his wife, researching family history, photography, golf, and the outdoors.
Mr. Wilder is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Marsha (White) Wilder of Peterborough, and most recently of Englewood, FL. Dave is also survived by his children, Jeffrey Wilder and wife, Ruth (Senecal) of Hancock, Mark Wilder and wife, Kristie (Miller) of Swanzey, Kristin Hicks and husband, Jim of Keene, Kate Gemma and husband, Leo of Milford. He is also survived by his sisters, Diane Christian of Pigeon Forge, TN, and Marcy Lee of Weston, MA, twelve grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, many cousins, a niece, nephews, extended family, and friends.
A non-denominational graveside service will take place on May 20, 2024, at 1:00 P.M, at Pine Hill Cemetery, 20 Sand Hill Rd., Peterborough, NH. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice in David’s name. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
