Robert Charles Wilson, Sr.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Robert Charles Wilson Sr on June 4, 2022, his 88th birthday. He had a great life; he passed surrounded by his loving family both near and far.

Robert Charles was born in Yonkers New York on June 4,1934 to Ian Scott (deceased: 1956) and Beatrice (Canning) Wilson (deceased: 1998). 

Bobby and his brother William (Billy) (deceased: 2006) grew up in Ardsley NY.

The family home was built on the famous Lewisohn Estate land.  Bobby and his family enjoyed working side-by-side in the glass greenhouses, tending to benches of flowers, nurturing what became his life long love of horticulture.

When Bobby was in his early 20’s his father Ian, passed away at the young age of 45.  Bobby and his mom continued the family flower growing business for several more years providing their services at many NYC landmarks that included St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the former Commodore Hotel.

Bob married Joanne Lally (deceased: 1978); one of the 1950’s Certs mints twins.  They made their home and raised three beautiful children Stacey Ann, John Scott and Robert Jr., in Mahopac, NY.

Bob took great pride in his professional accomplishments, always furthering his and others knowledge and love for the plant and flower life.  His talent showed in every garden, every shrub, and every landscape design through his work at Handleman’s Garden Center and Dom D’Agostino Nursery.  He proudly served as Vice President at the NYS Nurserymen’s Association along with many other horticulture related societies and organizations throughout New Jersey and New England. Bob also worked at Mahopac Supply and later retired from The Mahopac School District.

Our father had great admiration for his father Ian, as he often said not a day went by that he did not miss him.  Not a day will go by that we will not miss YOU Dad.  We cherish the collective, individual and unique relationships forged with each of us.

Stacey will treasure holding your hand sitting by the water, John loved your fishing adventures and Robbie will remember with pride you wearing your Wilson Plumbing & Home Services’ hat.  Each of them will hold near and dear their dad’s love for the NY Mets and going to the games!

In November of 1982, Bob married Carolyn Demchar who became the love of his life.  The two were inseparable. This year, they would have celebrated 40 years. 

Bob’s backyard shed in Mahopac was a frequently visited spot for many of his friends (especially Richie and Paul); a place where many stories were told and memories made.  The lawn at his Kings Ridge home was meticulously maintained.  Every year he raised his gardens full of prized tomatoes and vegetables. Baskets of cherry tomatoes hung from the back yard trees. Visitors were welcomed with flowering hanging baskets that adorned the front porch leading them around the house to many more blooms.  Bob tended the rhododendrons, and of course his beloved Japanese Red Maple garden.

In 2010, Sun City Hilton Head became Bob & Carolyn’s new home. They were very happy to settle here and easily enjoyed the golf cart life and all that Bluffton and the surrounding area had to offer. They continued their beautiful life together making many new and lasting friendships. Carolyn will miss her life partner terribly.

Carolyn and Bob are ten-year members of the Sun City Croquet Club and Coastal Carolina Croquet.  Bob was Chair of the Lawn Committee and very proud to have brought the lawns up to Golf Course standards during his tenure.  Bob proudly won the 2014 Golf Croquet Championship of Beaufort County.

Certified as a Master Gardner, by Clemson University, Bob Wilson continued his craft here in South Carolina. He was the first to set up a booth at the Bluffton Downtown Farmers Market and was involved in the creation of the Lake Somerset Butterfly Garden.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn (Willie), daughter Stacey Ann, and sons John Scott, Robert Jr. and daughter-in-law Jacqueline Wilson along with grandchildren Adam, Rafi Robert, Ryan John (wife: Jessie), Lauren Joanne (Fiancé: Alex), Robert Austin and Ian Connor.

Pop recently became a great grandfather, welcoming Hunter Robert Wilson to our family in April 2022.  As the Wilson family continues to grow we will keep Pop-Pop at the forefront of our family, remembering him at gatherings through stories and his unique style.

In honor of Bob’s love of life, please have a drink, stop and smell the flowers and when planting, remember Bob’s words, ‘’It’s green side up.”

Funeral Mass will be scheduled at a later date.

Please see Saint Gregory The Great Catholic church website (sgg.cc) to view the live stream of the service.  Click on "mass live stream."  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Charles Wilson, Sr., please visit our floral store.