Michael R. Wilkinson

Michael R. Wilkinson, 53 passed away unexpectedly at home on September 14, 2021. He was born in Springfield the son of Diane G. (Chaffee) Wilkinson of Hampden and the late John T. Wilkinson, Sr. Originally from Wilbraham, Michael (aka “Big Mike”) made his career in the automotive field.  In spite of numerous back surgeries over the years, he continued to work hard and was always on the go.  Family and friends were very important to him.  Michael was always the first to help his kids or his friends, whether it was fixing a car, cutting down trees, or just giving a ride. Michael leaves behind his partner, Bonnie Turnberg; his five children, Michael Austin and his partner Alicia Circosta, Andrew Wilkinson and his partner Michelle Wurszt, Emilie Wilkinson and her partner Juan Miguel Escobar Ramos, Tiffany Wilkinson, and Zachary Wilkinson and his partner Gavriana Gonzalez; four siblings, Debra Loomis and her husband Richard, John Wilkinson, Jr. and his wife Maryann, Kevin Wilkinson and his wife Shannon, and Heather Jolicoeur and her husband Jim; 11 grandchildren; his best friend, Ricky Clark, and the mother of his children, Shannon Austin. A private committal service will be held at Old Cemetery in Hampden. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 25th, from 1-4 PM at the outdoor pavilion of the Hampden VFW Post 9397, 190 Main Street, in Hampden.