Norwood lost a dedicated educator and long-time small business owner in 1984 with the passing of Peter A. Wilson, the founder of A & B Auto School. ⠀

On July 4, 1984, the Norwood community mourned the loss of a fixture of local commerce and driver education, Peter A. Wilson, who passed away at the age of 76 at Jordan Hospital in Plymouth. A resident of Norwood for 25 years, Mr. Wilson was widely recognized as the owner and proprietor of the A & B Auto School, an institution he established in 1953.

Born in Boston, Mr. Wilson spent his earlier years residing in Roslindale and West Roxbury before establishing his life and business in Norwood. Throughout his three decades at the helm of A & B Auto School, he became a prominent figure in the professional driving community, holding memberships in both the Massachusetts and National Professional Drivers Associations. His school was a cornerstone of local education, providing both essential classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. By 1961, the business had expanded its operations to new premises located at 48 Day Street in Norwood.

The impact of Mr. Wilson’s work on the town’s youth was significant. His curriculum was specifically designed to help students under the age of 25 complete the state-mandated driver education requirements necessary for insurance premium reductions. By 1961 alone, Mr. Wilson and his long-time assistant, Mrs. Hazel Carrozza, had provided instruction to more than 225 Norwood High School students. To ensure his students received the highest quality training, Mr. Wilson frequently collaborated with local educators, including Thomas Roche of the Norwood Senior High School faculty, to refine and enhance his teaching methods.

Beyond his business, Mr. Wilson was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Isabelle (Durland) Wilson; his son, Robert W. Wilson of Canton; two daughters, Jean Ritchie of Milton and Caroline Hurley of Fort Wayne, Indiana; his sister, Helen Armington; five grandsons; five granddaughters; and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass was scheduled for 11 a.m. on the following Saturday at Holy Name Church in West Roxbury, with burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, also in West Roxbury. The Gillooly Funeral Home at 126 Walpole Street served as the site for visitation. In keeping with the family’s wishes, memorial contributions were directed to the Jimmy Fund in Boston.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

More In Memoriam Stories

In Memoriam: Walter J. “Wally” Hughes Jr. (1947 – July 25, 2026)

Opening Tribute The Norwood community joins the Hughes family in mourning the unexpected passing of Walter J. “Wally” Hughes Jr. on July 25, 2026, at the age of 79. For four decades, Mr. Hughes was a fixture within the halls of Norwood High School, leaving an indelible mark as an educator, counselor, and department leader.…
In Memoriam: Principal John P. Piccirilli

Principal John P. Piccirilli guided Norwood High School through decades of academic, cultural, and structural change. His steady leadership, compassion, and commitment to students shaped the lives of thousands. We honor his remarkable legacy and service to the Norwood community.
In Memory of Timothy J. McDonough (February 21, 1965 – March 12, 2026)

A Life of Service, Community, and Unwavering Norwood Pride On March 12, 2026, the Town of Norwood lost one of its most dedicated public servants and most beloved neighbors with the passing of Timothy J. McDonough, who died peacefully at home surrounded by his son Patrick, future daughter‑in‑law Melissa, and his loyal companion Bailey. Tim…
In Memoriam-John J. Carroll

John J. Carroll 1928-2023 Born to Irish immigrant parents in Boston, John J. Carroll graduated with a civil engineering degree from Northeastern University in 1950. After serving in the United States Army from 1950-1952, he went to work for the town of Lexington as a civil engineer. In 1958, he became Superintendent of Public Works…
In Memoriam-James R. Savage

James R. Savage Sr. retired Superintendent of the Norwood Public Schools, died Oct. 25, at Faulkner Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He was 84. He was the beloved husband of Catherine “Kay” (Jennings), treasured father of James Savage, Jr. of Hunt Valley, MD, Steve Savage, Dr. Mary Savage Brown, Cathy Savage-Eysie and father in…
Frank Simoni, Prominent Developer, Veteran, and Philanthropist, Passes Away at 80-September 29, 1997

Frank R. Simoni, prominent Route 1 developer, golf course creator, WWII veteran, and philanthropist, passes away at age 80.
Mary A. Dean, Retired Norwood Principal and Lifelong Educator, Passes Away at 91-October 14, 1996

Remembering Mary A. Dean, a revered Norwood public school teacher and principal who led the Shattuck and Cleveland schools across a distinguished career spanning nearly five decades.
Former Norwood General Manager John P. Mogan Passes Away at 72-September 16, 1994

John P. Mogan, Norwood’s dedicated general manager from 1972 to 1979 who famously helped secure an $8 million Boston Edison settlement for the town, dies at 72.
Friends and Community Mourn Four-Year-Old Kevin McNulty-September 5, 1992

Filling St. Catherine’s Church to capacity, hundreds of family members, friends, and local residents gathered on Friday for an emotional funeral mass to mourn four-year-old Kevin McNulty, who passed away Tuesday following a courageous yearlong battle with leukemia. The 4-year-old’s fight against the disease galvanized the entire community, sparking massive bone marrow donor drives that…
Daniel E. Callahan Jr., 82, Former Selectman and Longtime Norwood Merchant-August 8, 1992

Daniel E. Callahan Jr., 82, a lifelong Norwood resident, former town selectman, and staple of the local business community who operated Callahan’s Furniture for half a century, passed away Thursday at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.