Remembering Peter A. Wilson: Founder of Norwood’s A & B Auto School-July 4, 1984

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