Obituary of Robert P Wilcox
Robert Paul (Bob) Wilcox
Robert Paul (Bob) Wilcox departed this earthly life on April 7, 2025, at the age of 97. He was born on December 27, 1927, in Endicott, New York, to loving parents Arthur Albert Wilcox and Mary Marie (Hieber) Wilcox.
Robert was married to his high school classmate and sweetheart, Bernadine Grace (Snyder) Wilcox, for 72 years. Together, they built a loving family and raised two sons. He is survived by his beloved wife; their sons, Philip Lloyd (wife, Linda) Wilcox and Keith Eric Wilcox; his granddaughters, Bonnie J. Wilcox and Ashley J. (Wilcox) Gebo (husband, David); and his great-grandchildren, Isabella Gebo and Gavin Gebo.
He graduated from Union-Endicott High School in 1945 and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving aboard the USS Houston (CL-81) for two years. Following his honorable discharge, Robert began his career at IBM in Endicott as an apprentice toolmaker. He remained with the company for 36 years, the last five of which were spent at the Charlotte, North Carolina location. He retired from IBM Charlotte in 1984.
Robert was a proud member of the Masonic fraternity for over 60 years. He was affiliated with the Mint Hill Lodge, the Charlotte Scottish Rite Bodies (32° KCCH) since 1967, and the Kalurah Shrine of Endicott, New York. He was also an original member of the Continental Ancient Fife & Drum Corps, where he enjoyed being part of a community that celebrated history, music, and tradition. A gifted bass vocalist, Robert sang for many services at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in Mint Hill, Charlotte, N.C., and more recently at Central United Methodist Church. He also participated in the Fred Brown Sunday School and the Wesley Class Bible studies.
Robert was an avid sports fan, and his favorite pastime was golfing each season with his son Keith. The Golf Channel was always on in the Wilcox residence. He was also a devoted Carolina Panthers fan and participated in a few local bowling leagues "back in the day." In addition to his many interests, Robert also learned to pilot small aircraft while living in Charlotte—a reflection of his adventurous spirit and lifelong curiosity.
Robert loved his family with his whole heart. He never missed an opportunity to share his warm wishes for their health, happiness, and God's blessings. He took great pride in personalizing every holiday and birthday card with his beautiful hand-written calligraphy. Some of his greatest joys in life were the times spent visiting with family—chatting around the table, sharing stories from the past, and simply being present with the people he loved most. He especially cherished time with his great-grandchildren, Isabella and Gavin, whose laughter and energy brought him so much happiness in his later years.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Memorial Fund of Central United Methodist Church, 17 Nanticoke Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760.
Calling hours and services will be held on Friday, May 2, at 11 a.m. at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, 300 E. Main St., Endicott, NY. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of Military Honors and service at 11 AM