Police line Wyoming Avenue in Scranton Friday while the casket of John Wilding is brought to St. Peter’s Cathedral. (Aimee Dilger | Times Leader)
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By Bill O’Boyle

[email protected]

SCRANTON — It was a celebration of a life well lived.

Those were the words of the Rev. Thomas M. Muldowney, Vicar General of the Diocese of Scranton, who delivered the homily Friday at the funeral service for fallen city Patrolman John James Wilding.

“John was keenly aware that his service as a police officer was filled with danger and uncertainty, but it was also filled with joy and fulfillment,” Muldowney said. “Although John’s life was too short, he certainly made an impact on all those he encountered. John’s life was rooted in service.”

The service was held at St. Peter’s Cathedral with Bishop Joseph C. Bambera officiating.

Wilding, 29, died early Sunday morning at Geisinger Community Medical Center from head injuries he suffered when he climbed over a fence and fell about 15 feet behind a building on North Main Avenue. He suffered the fatal injuries early Saturday morning while pursuing three 17-year-olds suspected in an armed robbery on Jackson Street. An autopsy Monday revealed that Wilding died as a result of blunt force head trauma, and his death was ruled a homicide.

“We offer our heartfelt sympathy to his family,” Muldowney said. “Our faith helps us find meaning in times like this.”

Hundreds of uniformed police officers lined Wyoming Avenue in front of St. Peter’s Cathedral. They stood at attention and saluted Wilding’s coffin as it was taken from the hearse and up the steps to the cathedral.

Walking behind were Wilding’s family. His wife, Kristin held the hands of her two children, Lola Mae and Sidney Wolfgang. His mother, Mary, was at their side.

A riderless horse followed with boots reversed in the stirrups, symbolizing the loss of a police officer — a warrior who would ride no more. Just behind was Wilding’s “ride” — his police-issued bicycle that he used to cover his West Side beat.

Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright called Wilding “an extraordinary human being.” The deceased officer was Courtright’s first appointment last year, having been sworn in on April 15, 2014.

“He brought hope and joy to all around him,” Courtright said. “He gave his life to the city he loved. Being a Scranton police officer was not a career choice for John Wilding — it was a calling.”

Courtright said it was clear from Wilding’s first day on the job in 2014 that he would serve the city well.

“He represented the very best that Scranton has to offer,” the mayor said. “When he was on his beat, people knew they were in good hands. We are all proud of Patrolman Wilding.”

Scranton Police Chief Carl Graziano said when one police officer hurts, “we all hurt.” Graziano called Wilding a hero.

“It’s not how he died that made him a hero,” he said. “It’s how he lived.”

Graziano said Wilding told him becoming a Scranton police officer was a dream come true. He said Wilding approached his job in a positive, friendly manner.

“He was the epitome of what every officer should be,” Graziano said. “He loved coming to work every day.”

Graziano said Wilding will live on in all officers, adding, “We will strive to make him proud.”

Police Cpl. Thomas McDonald, a close friend of Wilding, delivered an emotional eulogy. McDonald trained Wilding when he arrived on the job just over one year ago.

“I remember when I first saw him,” he said. “He was a skinny kid with a baby face, smoking a cigarette. I remember thinking he could use a few ham sandwiches.”

But the two connected, McDonald said, even though Wilding had his own style.

“He wore fancy clothes, a cool hat and he had a lot of tattoos,” McDonald said. “John stayed true to who he was. He was the hippest cop we ever had in our department.”

After observing Wilding on the job, McDonald said he knew “the kid” would be a good cop. He said he never lost his enthusiasm.

“He was born to be a police officer,” he said.

McDonald said Wilding was a good husband, a good father and a good friend, who treated people with respect, kindness and compassion.

“He had rock solid character,” McDonald said. “He showed us all how to be good human beings.”

Speaking to Wilding’s mother, Mary, McDonald said, “I want to be the type of cop your son, John, was.”

When the casket was brought from the church, the Pittsburgh City Pipe & Drum Corps played “Amazing Grace.” There was the traditional 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.” The American flag was removed from the coffin, folded and presented to the family.

Chris Sullivan, a retired New York City police officer, stood on the sidewalk watching a ceremony he has seen many times before.

“Too many, way too many,” Sullivan said of the funerals of other fallen heroes. “This could happen to any one of us.”

During his homily, Muldowney said it is in these profound moments of sadness that we need to acknowledge our pain and honestly admit that our faith is being tested.

“This is a time where we find ourselves confused and pondering many questions that will be left unanswered,” he said. “We try to come to terms with the reality of John’s death and we struggle to find comfort as we mourn the loss of one of Scranton’s finest. John’s death is a vivid reminder to all of us that our lives are fragile and all too short.”

Muldowney urged all Scranton police officers and law enforcement professionals to stay the course.

“May you continue to protect those you are called to serve,” he said. “May you do so with fidelity, honor and courage. May we carry on all the good that John has taught us and keep his memory alive by our providing service to others.”

With that, Muldowney told those attending to remember Officer John Wilding for the wonderful person that he was.

“The proud husband and father, the faithful friend, and the dedicated police officer,” he said. “The greatest disservice that we can do to John is to only focus on his death. We need to focus our attention on the life that he lived. The blessings that he gave to us. The blessings he expects us to pay forward.”

Officer John Wilding’s mother, Mary, and wife Kristen hold flags presented to them after the funeral for Wilding at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton Friday. Patrice Wilding (center), sister of Wilding, holds his daughter, Lola Mae, and Kristen holds her son, Sidney.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_TTL071815Wilding-Funeral1.jpg.optimal.jpgOfficer John Wilding’s mother, Mary, and wife Kristen hold flags presented to them after the funeral for Wilding at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton Friday. Patrice Wilding (center), sister of Wilding, holds his daughter, Lola Mae, and Kristen holds her son, Sidney. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Police line Wyoming Avenue in Scranton Friday while the casket of John Wilding is brought to St. Peter’s Cathedral.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_TTL071815Wilding-Funeral5.jpg.optimal.jpgPolice line Wyoming Avenue in Scranton Friday while the casket of John Wilding is brought to St. Peter’s Cathedral. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Scranton Police Officer John James Wilding
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_WILDING2.jpeg.optimal.jpegScranton Police Officer John James Wilding Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

By Bill O’Boyle

[email protected]

 

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.