Wayne A. Kilmer, age 83 of Hamden, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025 at O’Connor Hospital, Delhi.
He was the first of eight children born to Donald C. Kilmer and Eleanor (MacDonald) Kilmer on May 26, 1941. Wayne grew up on “End Valley Farm” on MacDonald Road in Hamden where his ancestors had settled in the 1850s. He attended the District Number 1, one-room school, walking two and one half miles each way. Upon completion of the eighth grade he was prepared to take the college course at the “Old Ivy Tower” High School in Walton where he excelled. He was a member of the National Honor Society and was a talented musician playing in the marching band for four years. He graduated with the class of 1958.
Growing up on the family dairy farm he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for farming. Wayne was an original member of The Country Cousins 4-H Club which was in existence for over 50 years. It served him well; he learned many lessons including record keeping, showmanship, public speaking and marching band. He won a 4-H essay contest and received a purebred Brown Swiss calf as his prize. He went on to win many blue ribbons with that calf at the Delaware County Fair and New York State Fair. That changed everything at the farm. Eventually the dairy became all registered Brown Swiss.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of seventeen in January 1959. His dream was to play clarinet in the Marine Corps Band. Unfortunately that wasn’t in the cards - he didn’t meet the height requirement. He was encouraged to take a different path in computers which was in its infancy. After boot camp he received specialized training in computers. He was stationed in Hawaii where he played a vital role in military operations during his four years of honorable service. His service in the Marines shaped his discipline, resilience and lifelong pride in his country. Following his military service Wayne embarked on a career that blended his talents and passions. He held a management position in a large New England Textile company where he integrated computer systems into the business. While he was working in Fall River, Massachusetts, he met his future wife, Irene Karagis. In 1967 they married. Wayne was readily accepted into her Greek family and began to pursue his true passion in food preparation. He earned a degree from Johnson & Wales and went on to become manager/chef at “The Goldenrod Restaurant” in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he delighted customers with his culinary expertise. Wayne spent much of his free time coaching or cheering on his children Scott and Tana in their sports and school activities. Wayne was a lifelong Yankee, hunter, nature lover and voracious reader.
After the death of Irene in 1996 and with his children grown, he returned to End Valley Farm and started anew. He became the manager/chef at the senior meal site in Walton. He was well received in his new position as evidenced by the increase in participation at the meal site.
After settling into retirement he met and married his second wife, Theresa Zucker. They enjoyed 20 years together cruising and wintering in Las Vegas and Myrtle Beach until his most recent illness.
Wayne leaves behind his loving wife Theresa, his children: Scott (Dawn) Kilmer of Las Vegas, Nevada and Tana (Pete) Gustafson of Manchester, New Hampshire. His siblings Ryan (Beverly) Kilmer, Lynn (Amy) Kilmer, Sharon Kilmer Nagel, Loretta (Marty) Foster and Joanna (David) Forry and foster sibling Ken (Penny) Prestidge. Wayne is also survived by many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Irene, grandson Jacob, sister Linda and brother Gene Kilmer.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and ambulance crew who gave him care and assisted him in his final trip home. Belinda Sill showed special care and kindness during his final days. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins turned out and shared many pleasant memories. It was all very much appreciated.
