Justin Wilder

Justin Wilder, 43, of Chincoteague, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.

Born on July 5, 1982, in upstate New York, Justin moved with his parents to Appomattox, Virginia, at the age of six. He attended school in Appomattox and later earned a degree from Averett University, where he served as president of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and was known to friends and brothers as “ChaCha.” 

Justin lived and worked in Lynchburg for several years, including as business and weekend editor for the Lynchburg News & Advance and in corporate communications roles with the Babcock & Wilcox Company and BWXT. After relocating to Chincoteague in 2012, he began working at Captain’s Cove Golf & Yacht Club, where he served until 2025.

Justin was active in the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and took great pride in his roles in the annual winter plays.  He loved humor, writing, and fresh seafood—but above all, he loved his children.

He is survived by his children, Arthur Wilder and Martha Wilder, and their mother, Cynthia Leonard Wilder; his in-laws, Arthur, Mary Esther, Hunter, and Ayden Leonard; his uncle Pete Wilder and aunt Nancy Parker of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and his aunt Ann Palmo and uncle Gary Palmo of Schenectady, New York, along with several cousins. He is also survived by his fraternity brothers and by many others who cared for him throughout his life, especially during his final year.

He was predeceased by his parents, Jon Wilder and Leslie Mallin Wilder, both of Florida.

In lieu of flowers, Justin would have preferred that investments be made in the future of those he treasured most dearly. To that end, a fund for his children’s education has been established at Taylor Bank, Chincoteague.

On Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 4 pm, a Memorial Potluck to honor Justin’s life will be held at Chincoteague Cultural Alliance, 6309 Church Street, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336. 

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