Wilbur Pahaham, II

Wilbur Pahaham Junior, beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle was called home on September 14, 2023. at age 80.   

A life-long champion of justice, teen Wilbur became an active member of the NAACP. As a young adult, growing up in Stamford, Wilbur and his soon-to-be wife Elaine attended the 1963 March on Washington with Martin Luther King. They later moved to Danbury where Wilbur continued to advocate for others as an active member of the Community Action Committee of Danbury, supported the Woman’s Center of Danbury, and as a public-school parent, fought for equitable funding for all public schools in Danbury. He was a deacon at New Hope Baptist Church and a Little League Baseball coach.  

Wilbur began his higher education at Virginia Union University but left after two years to support his growing family. As a life-long learner, and bibliophile, an avid reader of all subjects, especially history, religion, government, psychology, after retirement, Wilbur returned to school at Norwalk Community College and earned an Associate’s Degree. He read daily for most of his life. Only the onset of blindness in his later years slowed down but never stopped him. 

For years Wilbur worked for various corporations, but eventually became a proud Danbury Police Officer. He believed this job allowed him to combine a love of justice and deep commitment to service in the community. He described his role as a Community Services Liaison as the happiest, most fulfilling part of his professional career.  

Wilbur was predeceased by his parents, a brother, two sisters, a nephew, niece, and grandniece.  Wilbur is survived by his ex-wife Elaine, five children and their spouses, nine grandchildren, a niece, nephew, great-nieces, great-nephews and his sister Ella.  

Family was everything to Wilbur. His patience, persistence, strength, and intellect will continue to inspire the family he has left behind. 

A visitation for Wilbur will be held Wednesday September 20, 2023 from 10 to 11 AM at the New Hope Baptist Church on 10 Aaron B. Samuels Boulevard in Danbury, Connecticut. A memorial service will follow immediately and end at noon. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions to RISE District, a mutual aid association that serves Black women and children, would be greatly appreciated.

Gifts to RISE District may be made via PayPal at @risefundraising or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/risefundraising 

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