Robert Francis Wilson, led full life
Robert “Bob" Francis Wilson, 96, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away after a short cancer battle Friday, June 16, 2023. He was born June 18, 1926, in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of the late Earl G. and Mary C. (Farmer) Wilson.
A member of the Greatest Generation, he served in the U.S. Air Force during World War ll and was stationed in Newfoundland, Canada, where he served as a navigator on C-3 cargo planes. Being a lover of Big Band music, he also played drums for the base’s Officer’s Band while in the service.
In 1948, Bob married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Nedra Ann Rantsch. The two would spend the next 75 years together creating wonderful memories.
Taking advantage of the GI Bill, Bob obtained a degree from the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Denver, attending college while married and becoming a father to Susan Ann.
After returning to New York and welcoming son Robert Charles, Bob started his food services operations career in 1951 when he was employed by Abraham and Strauss in Brooklyn, N.Y. After that, Bob served in numerous positions at Johns Hopkins Hospital (where daughter Nedra Lynn would be born), ending up as administrator of the hospital from 1970-74.
In 1974, he went to work for a food service company, Servomation. Bob retired at age 60 in 1986 after many dedicated years. But he couldn’t turn down one final opportunity to have his talents and his political interests converge; he returned to work in 1989-91 as a food service consultant at the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.
Bob discovered sailing in the mid-70s leading to many saltwater adventures like moving to Annapolis and owning a series of boats. As members of Annapolis Yacht Club, Bob and Nedra sailed the Delaware Bay and the Chesapeake Bay, made memorable Maine voyages, as well as an unforgettable trip down the Intracoastal Waterway to the Bahamas.
After moving to Long Boat Key, Fla., where they enjoyed a vibrant jazz scene, they returned to the Mid-Atlantic, settling in Rehoboth Beach. He and Nedra made many amazing friends in the community and thrived in RBCC’s lively social scene and golf culture. Bob was proud of being the oldest golfer in the club, playing up until the end. He reveled in the times he shot a golf score below his age and got a hole-in-one. He liked to call this area “the land of pleasant living!”
Bob also had a passion for politics and debating current events with his kids and grandkids. He debated all three children and grandchildren on weekly Sunday FaceTime calls which turned into lively events.
Bob passed away one day before the family's planned party to celebrate the couple’s 75th anniversary and two days before his 97th birthday. Bob’s presence, sense of humor and zest for life will be deeply missed by all.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years, Nedra Ann Wilson of Rehoboth Beach; daughters, Susan A. Wilson of Washington, D.C., and Nedra Lynn Fekete and her husband Akos of Seattle, Wash.; son, Robert C. Wilson of Amelia Island, Fla.; his two granddaughters, Kendall L. Wilson of Atlanta, Ga., and Kara E. Wilson of New York, N.Y.; and his two grandsons, Evan W. Fekete and Spencer P. Fekete, both of Seattle.
A Celebration of Life will be held in late September 2023. Contact nedralynnwilson@gmail.com for details.
Consider a donation in Bob's memory to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
