John Alvin Wilson was born in Auburn, Massachusetts. He was the son of William and Marion Wilson, and the youngest of three siblings which included Robert and William Wilson. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and late went on to get a degree in aeronautical engineering. He worked for USAir out of the Pittsburgh International Airport for 13 years. He was the beloved husband of Yuhua Maria Wilson and father of three children John Jr., Glenn, and Holly Wilson. He was preceeded in death by his parents William and Marion Wilson, and brother William H. Wilson. The only surviving sibling of John is his older brother Robert Wilson who lives in Deleware.