Robert M. Wilson

Robert M. Wilson of Sarasota, Florida passed away at age 93 on 7-9-2023 after a long battle fighting a rare, progressive lung disease. Bob was born on February 1, 1930, to Morris and Edith Wilson in the quiet, southern New Jersey city of Vineland. Bob liked to describe his childhood in this small town as a happy, “Tom Sawyer” style adventure. He graduated from Vineland High School in 1948 where he was able to use his musical talents as a lead trumpet player in the high school orchestra and marching band. Bob was a family man of strong Christian faith who cherished his wife Sandra of 42 years and his four children; daughter Sharon K. Riggio, sons R. Thomas Wilson, Steven D. Wilson, and Ronald L. Wilson. Tent camping at the “Jersey Shore” was a favorite family vacation for many years. Bob and Sandra moved from Princeton, NJ to Cape Coral, Florida in 1988. In 1990, they moved to their newly constructed home in Sarasota. They joined Sarasota Baptist Church as new members a few months later. After graduating from high school, Bob continued his education by attending and graduating from the Bliss Electrical School in Tacoma Park, MD. A short time later, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy to serve during the Korean Conflict. After graduating from Navy “boot camp”, Bob was enrolled in the Navy’s Class A Electronics Technician School. After completing his three years of service in the U.S. Navy, Bob enrolled at Trine University where he earned his B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering. Several years later, he pursued graduate studies in electrical engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. After receiving his degree in electrical engineering, Bob accepted a position as an electronics design engineer with the RCA Corporation in New Jersey. During his 34 years of employment as an engineer with RCA, his career advanced to include management and senior engineering research positions. Over the years, Bob was granted numerous U.S. patents related primarily to television and space communication technologies. One extra enjoyable perk that came with Bob’s engineering position was the opportunity to engage in business travel to other countries, primarily Japan, Taiwan, and other Asian areas. Bob is survived by his wife Sandra, daughter Sharon Riggio, son Ronald Wilson (Susan), stepsons Robert, Daniel, and Richard Mullin, granddaughter Jennifer Vaiciunas (Saul), grandson Keith DiMarco, grandson Steven Wilson (Catherine), grandson Dustin Wilson, granddaughter Alaina Wilson, grandson Kyle Wilson, great grandson Ryan Vaiciunas, great granddaughter Allison Vaiciunas, nephew David McClennen (Georgeanne), niece Judy Schneider (John), and niece Linda Nelson (Roger). Bob is predeceased by his father and mother Morris and Edith Wilson, sister and brother-in-law Virginia and Ted McClennen, son Robert Thomas Wilson, son Steven Douglas Wilson, and his former spouse and mother of his four children Nancy Wand. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am at Sarasota Baptist Church, 7091 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL 34241 August 12, 2023. Interment will be August 11, 2023, at 9:30 am at Sarasota National Cemetery on Clark Road. In lieu of flowers you can make a donation to Tidewell hospice or Sarasota Baptist Church.

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Robert M. Wilson

February 1, 1930 - July 9, 2023