Robert J. Wilson

He was born in Lake Placid on April 1, 1930, the son of Arthur and Mary (McDonough) Wilson. He grew up in Lake Placid and attended Lake Placid High School, where he enthusiastically played on the offensive line for the football team. His skill earned him a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. He chose to decline the scholarship and instead spent four years in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a boatswain’s mate, third class, aboard the U.S.S. Charles R. Ware, which sailed out of Newport, Rhode Island. Upon his return to Lake Placid, he joined Barton Press and eventually, along with James Barry, purchased Barton Press, which became Barry & Wilson Printing Company. Barry & Wilson Printing was a staple in the community until it closed its doors in 2003.

Bob was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and a committed member of the Lake Placid community. He served as a member of the Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years and spent two years as fire chief. He had an extensive network of friends and family, and served as godparent and father figure to many children.

Robert is survived by one brother, Thomas Wilson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 1 at the M.B. Clark Inc. Funeral Home in Lake Placid. A Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by an American Legion prayer service. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2 in St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid with interment at St. Agnes Cemetery to follow. There will be a reception following the burial at the American Legion in Lake Placid. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department or Mercy Care for the Adirondacks.

Relatives and friends are invited to “light a candle” and share a memory or leave online condolences at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.