It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Wilson Whitney Locke, 68, of Lantana, Florida, who tragically left us on September 27, 2024, in Boynton Beach.

Born on May 16, 1956, in Mineola, New York, to Alfred and Louise (Herron) Locke, Wilson was the youngest of five children.  He grew up in Garden City and Old Field, New York, and went on to graduate from Tulane University in 1979, where he met the love of his life, Eva (Rodriguez) Locke.  They were married in 1981 and began their family and a life filled with love in Setauket, New York, eventually moving to South Florida in 1995.

Wilson was a man of extraordinary heart and deep compassion, a loving husband who adored and cherished Eva throughout their 44 years together.  His devotion to his sons, Andrew and Alan, was equally profound—he raised them with patience, love, and unwavering care, always considerate of their needs and dedicated to their growth.

Wilson had a wonderful sense of humor, a sharp, dry wit that could brighten even the darkest moments.  His humor was often laced with sarcasm, and he had an incredible gift for making people laugh with his clever, creative, and unexpected observations.  His mind was always at work, finding joy and lightness in the everyday, and his playful, mischievous spirit always brought laughs to those fortunate enough to be in his carefully curated circle.

Wilson felt the world deeply, with a heart that constantly considered the struggles and emotions of others.  He often reflected on what people around him were going through, and it weighed on him in a way that showed just how much he cared.  His empathy wasn't just a passing feeling—it was something he carried with him, shaping how he viewed the world.  Whether thinking of family, friends, or even strangers, Wilson truly felt the weight of their experiences.  His sensitivity to the pain and joy of others made him a deeply compassionate and thoughtful man, someone who cared with his whole heart.

Wilson was meticulous in everything he did, treating his home, possessions, and the belongings of others with great respect and care.  The home he built in partnership with his son Alan was a testament to his dedication and precision, reflecting the deep pride he took in the spaces he created and maintained.  His attention to detail and thoughtful stewardship extended to every corner of his life, always mindful of the value of the people he held dear and appreciative of every blessing he had.

He found joy in life's simple pleasures, especially his beloved pet dogs, who were more than family to him.  His kindness extended to all creatures, big and small, as he held a deep respect for the natural world.

A man of great intelligence and curiosity, Wilson had a passion for exploring the complexities of history, politics, and life's great mysteries.  But it was music that truly filled his soul.  An accomplished guitarist, Wilson played his cherished Fender Stratocaster and Martin daily, drawing inspiration from his musical heroes, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and many others.  His love for music was vast, spanning classical masters like Beethoven and Mozart, and his encyclopedic knowledge of rock music in particular was always impressive.

He also had a deep affection for classic films and was a lifelong Yankees fan, passions that brought him great joy.

His loving presence, thoughtful nature, sharp humor, and immense heart will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. One of Wilson's favorite quotes, by John Donne, was:

"No man is an island,
Entire of itself;
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.

If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less,
As well as if a promontory were:
As well as if a manor of thy friend's
Or of thine own were.

Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind.

And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee."

Wilson is survived by his devoted and loving best friend and wife, Eva and his loving sons, Andrew and Alan of Lantana, Florida; his brother-in-law, Carlos Rodriguez of Weston, Florida; his brother, Stephen Locke (Marilyn), his sisters, Caroline and Deborah Locke of Long Island, New York; and his sister, Sarah Locke (Steve Campbell) of Jefferson, Maine.

His loving presence, thoughtful nature, and immense heart will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, 11:00am at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 840 George Bush Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483. To view the funeral Mass by livestream, please click here. Streaming starts when the funeral Mass begins.  Burial will follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, 10941 Southern Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Green Dog Rescue. Click here to make a donation.