Jack Wilkes, 90

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Jack Wilkes of Providence and Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., died on Jan. 27 at Hallworth House. The son of the late Sarah D. (Berson) and Morris J. Wilkes, he was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Barbara J. (Mallack) Wilkes.

A graduate of Hope High School, he was enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He graduated from Bryant College in 1948 with a degree in finance and began his professional career in the City of Providence Controller’s office, heading the Employee Retirement System prior to becoming city controller. He became vice president/general manager at Eclipse Food Products in Warwick in 1970, retiring in 1991.

He was active in many organizations and boards, including the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Rhode Island Board of Directors, the New England Municipal Finance Officers Association, Jewish War Veterans, Jewish Seniors Agency, Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, Plantations Lodge Bnai Brith, Cranston ARC and Redwood Lodge AF&AM. He was the longtime treasurer and board chair for Congregation Mishkon Tfiloh in Providence, past president of the Hillel Foundation Board at the University of Rhode Island and a member of Temple Emanu-El in Providence.

He is survived by his sons, Alan Wilkes of Johnston and Richard Wilkes of Washington Township, N.J.; his brother and sister-in-law David and Ruth Wilkes of Calif.; and his niece and nephews.

The family would like to thank Christina and Sal Caetano, Caroline Smith and the staff at the Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence in Warwick and Hallworth House in Providence for their expert care.

Contributions may be made to West Bay Residential Services, 158 Knight Street, Warwick, R.I. 02886 or Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. R.I. 02906.