John Thomas Wilson

John Thomas Wilson, affectionately known as “Digger,” passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Born on February 7, 1962, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. John spent nearly his entire life in Jersey City, where he grew up in a loud, loving home as the fifth of seven Wilson children and the second son. From the very beginning, John had a spark—part mischief, part toughness, all heart.

Before finding his life’s calling, John proudly served his country. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving from July 1982 to April 1988, including Reserve duty. During his time in the Army, he earned the Army Service Ribbon, the Marksman Badge for Rifle (M16), and the Expert Badge for Hand Grenade, reflecting his discipline, dedication, and skill. After returning home, he worked for a time as a truck mechanic.

For more than a decade, beginning around 2009, John devoted himself to the Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery, a role that became not just his work, but his calling, playing a major role in restoring and preserving this cherished historic site. 

He cared for the cemetery as a piece of living history — protecting it, tending to it, honoring every person laid to rest there. John’s love for the cemetery extended far beyond maintenance. He helped nurture its community. He oversaw the community garden, welcomed visitors with stories of the grounds, and even watched over the goats who came each summer to help keep the lawn in check. One of the things he was most proud of was working with individuals completing probation service hours, offering guidance, structure, and a second chance to people working to rebuild their lives.

His nickname, “Digger,” came naturally. It wasn’t just about the physical work he did — though he worked harder than most. It was about the heart he brought to it. He cared deeply about the cemetery, the history it held, and the people who found comfort in its quiet spaces. The cemetery became his sanctuary, and in many ways, he became its soul.

John was tough in all the ways that mattered, fiercely loyal, and blessed with an unforgettable sense of humor. He loved to laugh, he loved to tell stories, and he loved being surrounded by family. Nothing meant more to him than the people he loved.

John was the beloved son of the late William E. and Josephine T. (Mastro) Wilson, and the loving grandson of the late John and Theresa Mastro. He was the cherished brother of the late Theresa Gratz and Jude Wilson.

He is survived by his devoted siblings Cheryl Munoz and her husband Hector, Elizabeth Ciaston and her husband Peter, William Wilson and his wife Frances, and Michael Wilson. He is also survived by his loving Aunt Marie Mastro, and was predeceased by his Aunt Elena Mastro. John leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews — all of whom he loved deeply, and who loved their Uncle John with equal devotion.

May John “Digger” Wilson rest forever in the grounds he cared for, among the history he protected, and in the hearts of his family who loved him beyond measure.

Family and friends are invited to honor John’s life on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, at the Riotto Funeral Home, 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07306.  (For GPS navigation, it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street).  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the cemetery he loved so dearly: https://www.jerseycitycemetery.org/donate