Nathan L. Wilbur

On Tuesday, February 4th, 2025, in the early hours of the morning, Nathan Lord Wilbur passed away after a long struggle against dementia. He departed peacefully in his sleep in the care of Baystate Medical Hospice. Nathan spent the majority of his life in Newburyport, caring for his family and enjoying the beautiful history and culture of the city. He is survived by his son, Liam Wilbur, daughter-in-law Allison Wilbur, and his granddaughter Avery Wilbur. Additionally he is survived by his sister Ellen, brother Chris, sister-in-law Christie, and brother Aaron.

Nathan was a man who had no need in life for extravagance or excess. Instead he found deep peace and meaning in the purest and simplest beauties of life. He was a passionate gardener, landscape architect, and builder. These talents were put on full display with the Japanese Zen tea garden that he painstakingly hand-built in his backyard over many years. He was a great lover of the natural world and its splendor.

He was also a passionate student of history. His mind was densely packed with the lessons and people of the past. Through Civil War reenactment and deep study of military history specifically, he sought to honor the bravery and sacrifice of ordinary people who were thrust into circumstances that called them to a higher purpose.

He was a devoted father of the highest degree. He always found time to indulge flights of imagination, express creativity and love, and foster Liam’s passions and hobbies. Painting, writing, singing, gaming, and football were all pastimes near and dear to his heart that he passed down to his son through shared bonding and enthusiasm.

Nathan will be remembered by all who knew him as a sincere, honest, hard working, and deeply kind man who strove, above all else, to do the right thing and do it thoroughly. He was an intricate and multi-faceted person with incredible complexity, and the world is poorer for his absence.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8th at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 28 Pleasant St, Newburyport beginning at 2pm, followed by a reception downstairs in the Church reception hall. A private Graveside Service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, Newburyport for the family. Arrangements were made by Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, MA 01950.