ROBERT WILSON

Bob leaves behind his wife and best friend of 65 years Kay Jean (Harris), daughter Melissa Auten (John), son Brian Wilson (Jodi), and four beloved grandsons: Jared Auten (partner Kabryn), Spencer Auten (Allison), Sam Wilson, and Jake Wilson.

He was born in Toronto, Ohio on August 21, 1936, the last child of Oliver Raymond and Mary Ellen (Dougherty)Wilson. Preceding him in death were seven siblings.

Bob’s life on this earth cannot be easily described. After graduating from Toronto High School in 1954, he served in the US Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky followed by eight years in the Army Reserve. He was employed at Titanium Metals Corporation for 40 years, holding many positions, including Laboratory Assistant, Foreman General Foreman, and last five years as Safety Director.

During that same time, he served 24 years in city government as First Ward Councilman, Councilman at Large, President of Council, Treasurer, and then 16 years as Mayor. He was proud to say he never lost an election.

As Mayor, Bob relentlessly pursued county, state, and federal funding for projects such as the replacement of the Trenton Street Bridge, interchange at Titanium Way, Newberg Landing, a new city building, library, water, treatment plant, Fourth Street sidewalks, and street light projects. He also created a flag program to hang and replace flags in the downtown area through citizen donations.

In 1984, Bob created the Toronto Beautification Committee, a corp of volunteers who raised funds to complete projects to enhance quality of life and attract new businesses. Bob’s legacy lives on in the pocket parks on the corners of the city he loved and served. The TBC members have serve the community for 40 consecutive years. Bob’s family has chosen the TBC as his legacy charity: Toronto Beautification Committee, PO Box 102,Toronto, Ohio 43964.

We invite you to celebrate his life at his funeral mass on Saturday, September 7, 10:30 AM with father Thomas Vennitti pre- siding at Saint Francis of Assisi Church Toronto, Ohio, where Bob served as an altar boy. Family members will receive guests beginning at 9:45 am prior to the service. A light lunch to follow the mass in the church hall.

If love could have kept him here, he never would have died. www.jefosterfh.com