Well-known local entertainer publishes dozens of books from notes and ideas saved as a kid!

By Sharon E. Siegel

MATAMORAS, PA – In the Matamoras, PA area where Richard “Rich” Wilson was raised and in which he lived much of his life, he has always been known as a hometown friend, neighbor, family man, lifelong entertainer, and all-around friendly, kind, and helpful guy.  But, until recently, few likely knew him as a talented writer and the author of dozens of recently published and released books.

Wilson’s voice and onstage personality are well known throughout the NY/NJ/PA Tri-State region where he was born, raised, and graduated.  He is also well known in other parts of the United States where he has traveled and continues to perform, including on cruise ships. 

Wilson has performed on a wide range of stages in his lifetime, and – at times – with fellow musicians he references as his ‘radio heroes’ – Charlie Daniels, Willie Nelson, George Jones, The Drifters, The Coasters, and many others.  He has been honored for his talents, including induction into the New York State Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015, the Delaware Valley High School Hall of Fame in 2023, and other esteemed awards.   

However, the now-Floridian resident is currently gaining notoriety in an additional field of creativity.  A staggering dozens of books have been published and released this year by Wilson, all available for purchase through Amazon. 

Wilson explained that he has always had an interest in writing.  He recalled always scribbling ideas for stories or story outlines in notebooks.  He recently decided to start typing those ideas into his computer and learning to format properly.

“I still have much to learn,” he noted.

While parts of his own life are included in some of his stories, they do always necessarily tie to him.   He said he does find it easier to relate to the characters that are somewhat connected. 

Wilson, born in Paterson, NJ in May of 1961, is one of seven children – three girls and four boys.  His family moved to Matamoras, PA when he was entering third grade.  Having graduated from Delaware Valley School District in 1979, Wilson remembers one of his middle school teachers contributing to his personal love of great stories.  

“From the first time I heard my seventh-grade teacher, James Burnett (also from Matamoras) read aloud the Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” I was hooked on great stories,” Wilson said. 

While he loves to read and study different writing styles, Wilson does not think he has a distinctive style of his own. 

“I just have ideas,” he said.

Judging by the variety of his dozens of books published, a few being historical non-fiction but most fiction, there seems to be no shortage of writing ideas.  Wilson finds that fiction sometimes requires less fact checking, but his currently in-the-works book is about a heist that takes place during an actual famous mafia bust that happened in 1957 in Apalachin, NY.

Wilson said surroundings can at times have a lot to do with ideas and story lines.  He said his book INN-SANE: Murder at the Riverside Inn is very loosely based on time he spent at Eddy Farm in Sparrowbush, NY.  Another, “The Ghost of Matamoras” is not specifically linked to his own life, but Matamoras shares much with some of the book’s setting and content; the railroading history, rivers, bridges, and other components are all part of Matamoras’ own history.

The newly published author does not aim to leave hidden messages in his books.  He simply hopes that readers are entertained by his writing, as he has been able to contribute as an entertainer.

Now a resident of Zephyrhills, Florida, with his wife Amy, Wilson still refers to Matamoras, PA as home.  He recalls the community as an amazing place to grow up in as a young boy, and through his teens. 

“I wouldn’t trade that time for anything,” he said.

He admits to always loving warmer weather more than the Matamoras/Tri-States region’s northern winters,  however.

“Even as a kid in Matamoras, when my siblings were outside making snowmen, I was inside watching TV,” he chuckled.

Throughout his life, Wilson has been a radio personality for WDLC/WTSX in Port Jervis and WHCY in New Jersey, a singer/entertainer in his main career, and even a comedy stage hypnotist.  In looking back, he says he is grateful to have been able to perform with some great musicians and travel throughout his career.  He acknowledges some great moments, and says he will always have many to thank for the ‘amazing ride’ he continues to follow.     

“My career has taken many turns, and I have made some mistakes along the way, both professionally and personally,” Wilson reflected.  “But I believe I will accept the request to write a story about my own life and amazing career as a  performer, a pastor, and now a writer.  I just haven’t decided how to approach that project yet.”