Robert J. Wilson
Vietnam veteran with photography and geneaology as hobbies
Robert J. (Bob) Wilson, 76, passed away suddenly on Saturday October 10, 2020. He is greatly missed by his wife, Harriet Friedman-Wilson, son Matthew, daughter Melinda, son-in-law George Chedzhemov and grandson Benjamin. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Gawarkiewicz, brother-in-law Charles, Jill and Thomas Kwatkoski, Chuck Gawarkiewicz and Erin O'Connor, and their families, as well as numerous cousins, old and new.
Born in Travis, Staten Island, a place that always held a special place in his heart, to Helen Rybicki and John Wilson in 1944, he could often be found walking and taking photos of the evolving town. If you were lucky enough to have run into him, he was likely to have photos for you from previous walks, and would always take time to chat with old friends.
Bob was a Vietnam veteran and worked for the City of New York in Child Protective Services for 36 years. Bob's love of photography has left us with a treasure of photographs for which we will forever be grateful. Following his retirement, he became the family genealogist, finally accomplishing his father's wish of locating his long lost sister's family. He wove his new-found family into his life just as he had with so many.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Team Trevor/ Christmas in July Toy Drive, P.O Box 64, Bayville, NJ 08721
Please join us in celebrating Bob's much too short life on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at Harmon Funeral Home from 2-5 pm.
Harmon Funeral Home
571 Forest Ave.
Staten Island, N.Y. 10310
(718) 442-5056
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Harmon Funeral Home.
It's hard to fathom that the ever-present photographer isn't going to be at the next Travis event. I am certain of this, that everyone who knew Bob found him to be kind. He always was interested in everyone and everything. He was such a good guy.
Susan McNamara Alvarez
Friend
October 7, 2023
I met Bob only a few times - always a welcoming host with a very pleasant demeanor. Loved to show me his pictures of Clove Lakes Park.
My condolences to Harriet and the rest of the family.
Mike Nachison
Mike Nachison
Friend
October 22, 2020
We were so saddened to hear about Bob’s passing. We loved his emails and pictures of his grandson,Benjamin whom he was so proud of . We love that he reconnected with his cousin , our mom Marge Breslin Gallagher . He will always be remembered...
Love ,
Mary (Gallagher) Laudenslager
Kathy (Gallagher)Zancewicz
The Gallagher Family, Milford Ct
Family
October 20, 2020
We were so saddened to hear about Bob’s passing. We loved his emails and pictures of his grandson,Benjamin whom he was so proud of . We love that he reconnected with his cousin , our mom Marge Breslin Gallagher . He will always be remembered...
Love ,
Mary (Gallagher) Laudenslager
Kathy (Gallagher)Zancewicz
The Gallagher Family, Milford Ct
Family
October 20, 2020
My condolences to Harriet, Matthew and Melinda. I first met Bob's beautiful family at the YMCA Nursery School. Since that time our paths have crossed at the Snug Harbor Fence Show, the S. I. Ferry and the genealogy center in downtown Manhattan. Bob always had a smile and positive spirit that I'm sure will be missed by all and especially by his family.
Joyce Wright
October 19, 2020
Catherine Martino [email protected]
October 19, 2020
Deepest sympathies to the Wilson Family. I was shocked and saddened to learn of Bobs sudden passing from his beloved sister Patricia. I loved to receive his emails with all his news and photos of how the family were. Lots of love from your Irish Cousins
The Friel Family
Raphoe
Co. Donegal
Patricia ( Friel ) Allan
Family
October 17, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mary Friel
Family
October 17, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Wilson family. Bob and I were teammates many years ago on the Cara Boilers softball team. We would occasionally bump into each other in our travels around West Brighton and I always came away with a smile on my face. RIP, Bob.
Frank T. Cecero
Friend
October 16, 2020
So glad have known Bob and always happy to see him on the Fourth of July in Travis either along the parade route or at the Oceanic firehouse. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the family. I will remember Bob in my prayers.
Frank Peters
Friend
October 14, 2020
a loved one
October 14, 2020
I was his hairstylist many years ago. He was such a devoted husband and father. Such a joy to be around him. So sorry for the family loss.
Ellen Matteo
Friend
October 14, 2020
Rest In Peace my dear Friend. You will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to Bob's Family . Tremendous loss.
Arlene Tummino
Friend
October 13, 2020
May he Rest In Peace, and his family find peace and comfort during this sad time. He will always be remembered walking the parade in Travis every 4th of July with his camera, taking great photos of our family and memories. Our condolences and prayers- Mary Weyershausen Edkins and family
Kathy DeGaetano
Neighbor
October 13, 2020
Bob will be missed. He was a loving and kind gentle man. My heart goes out to you Harriet and the children, but I know you will hold the memories deep in your hearts forever.
Mary Finn Driscoll
Friend
October 13, 2020
I am so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was our wedding photographer on June18th, 1978. I met him & his lovely wife Harriet while I was a young bank teller at SISB on Bard& Forest Aves. He was a sweet person & great photographer. May rest in eternal peace❤
Toni Ann Pabon
Acquaintance
October 13, 2020
Bob was one of the nicest, kindest people I've ever known. He was always sharing photos, information and stories, and he took a genuine interest in other's lives, history, nature and all things Travis. I'm so sorry for your loss Harriet, because Bob was a great guy. I hope you find comfort in the wonderful memories you have.
Susan McNamara Alvarez
Friend
October 13, 2020
Dear Harriet and family,
I can't look at a picture, either on my computer or in an album, without thinking of Bob. We have been friends for so long. Over all the years we kept in touch and had a lot of laughs. Whenever I was home we always made time for a "pizza date" at Deninos so we could catch up. I just posted a photo of us with Cathy and Bobby. I will miss him terribly but can't even wrap my mind around how you all must be feeling. We were all so lucky to have him in our lives. Love, Barb
Barbara Opulski
October 13, 2020
Barbara Opulski
October 13, 2020
Heartfelt condolences to Harriet, Matthew, Melinda, Pat and families. Having Bob as a friend for 50+ years was truly a blessing. We have so many great memories that will help to heal the pain of losing such a cherished friend.
Harriet, May your heart soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. RIP Bob
Cathy Martino
Friend
October 13, 2020
Dear Harriet& family,I was so sorry& SHOCKED to hear of Bob's passing.He was a good neighbor & friend.He took picture of me & Richie every July 4th,Pictures of my sons .Bob was supportive & kind during my brothers funeral.Sending my condolences,I know you will miss him tremendously.The world lost a kind,good,humorous man.Rest in peace Bob.
Lorraine & Rich Silvestri
Friend
October 13, 2020
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