Wilde's wife died December 24, 1910, his twin sons did as well. He was survived by 4 children; Jane, Harry, Arnold, and Nancy and a sister.

Wilde signed onto the the Titanic on April 9, 1912. On the day of the sinking little is known until the collision where he joined the Captain and Thomas Andrews on an inspection of the ship. He then took care of the even numbered boats, on the port side of the ship. He was last seen trying to free the collapsibles A and B from the roof of the officers quarters. His body was never found.