Robert W. “Bob” Wilson, Rejoined the Cosmos on September 19, 2024 at Tarpon Springs, FL
Born in Green Island NY, he was the son of the late William J. and Margaret A Wilson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores A. Wilson (Kirchert), 3 children-Kirk, Kathy Powers and Karen McBride, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
He attended St Josephs Parochial School, La Salle Institute, and graduated from St. Michaels College where he served in the USAF ROTC. Immediately after graduation, he was assigned to USAF pilot training, receiving his wings at Vance AFB. He then was assigned to the Research and Development Command at Eglin AFB FL. There he served as R/D Project Manger/Pilot Officer on a number of advanced aircraft armament programs, including the F-104/Gatling gun and Sidewinder integration.
After leaving the Air Force, he joined AVCO Corporation in Wilmington MA where he was assigned as Flight Test Project Engineer for the Ballistic Missile Reentry Vehicle and Manned Space Programs. Over the years, he was promoted to increasing levels of responsibility. He was nominated by AVCO and selected by MIT for the Sloan Fellows Program, receiving the degree of Masters in Management, and became VP for Tactical Systems, developing smart weapons for the Department of Defense. He was awarded the ADPA Fire Power Award
He joined Honeywell Electo-Optical Systems where he led teams of scientist and engineers developing night vision and derivative weapons systems. The teams developed night vision equipment for the US Army and foreign governments.
Rejoining AVCO, at the AVCO Research Laboratory, he led the establishment of the Advanced Systems and Technology Business line. He later served as VP and Assistant General Manager of the AVCO/Textron Systems Division as Manager of the Tactical Systems Business line developing smart weapons. This activity grew into a multi-billion dollar entity.
Upon retirement, he formed and managed Technology Applications Partners, a consulting firm dedicated to transferring technology from universities to private industry. Products were developed for NASA and DOD. He was listed in Who’s Who in America.
In the city of Tarpon Springs, he served on various boards and enjoyed boating on the Gulf of Mexico as well as his membership in ROTARY International, serving as club President in 2002.
He was buried at sea in the Gulf of Mexico.
His favorite salutation was Live Long ‘n Prosper!
5 Responses
Wonderful man. I am grateful to be able to call myself his granddaughter. Until we meet again, Grandbob! You did good
My Dear Dolores, Kirk, Kathy, Karen, and Family – I am so sorry for your profound loss. Thank you for sharing Bob with me and my family. How blessed we were to know him. Bob was the epitome of a gentleman: kind, affable, thoughtful … always ready with a smile, laugh, and/or piece of knowledge to share. He was a gem and a beloved friend. I remember seeing him recently and I couldn’t believe he somehow thought to ask me how my mother with cancer was feeling(!) He was just that thoughtful and impressive. The way he adored each and every one of you was nothing short of an inspiration. His family meant everything to him, He was a great man and he will be so greatly missed. God bless you and your exceptionally wonderful family during this difficult time.
This is so sad. Bob was a wonderful loving husband, father and grandfather.. I wish my best for Dolores and children and grandchildren.
Love cousin Lynda.
So, sorry 💔😢
Bob was a very interesting man to have a conversation with. He enjoyed and treasured his family.
🙏🏻 Prayers to Doris, Karen and full family.
RIP 🥀⛵
Absolutely beautiful life he lead. Reading that about Bob was amazing. I met Bob a handful of times and he left an amazing impact on me. His beautiful wife Dolores and the love they shared should be everyone’s goals in life! May you rest in peace Bob
prayers for the entire family xoxoox