Obituary for Robert Patrick Wilson
On April 5 th 2023, Robert Wilson peacefully transitioned from this earth to be with the Lord, while at his
home surrounded by family.
Robert, whom most loving referred to as ‘Sweetie’ was born on March 16 th 1948 to Margaret Rhodes and
Robert Wilson. He was raised in Garfield where he attended Rogers elementary school and Peabody
high school. He was a natural sportsman who enjoyed karate, football, boxing, and fishing.
Following high school graduation, Robert worked in the steel mill before beginning his career as a
Building Inspector for the City of Pittsburgh, where he worked while attending the University of
Pittsburgh, attaining his Bachelor's degree in City Planning. He retired from the city.
Robert was a natural advisor, providing words of encouragement and wisdom to everyone that he
encountered. This provided a natural transition into a career of counseling which he provided in both a
substance abuse and faith-based setting, giving to many the message of recovery and Christianity.
In his own words, Robert wants to be remembered by his kind heart, the wisdom he shared, and the
passion he had for his family and multitude of friends. Many people, other than his natural children
referred to Robert as ‘dad’, as he was a staple in any community he called home. He embraced the
chaos of the many children that graced the household at all times. Robert was a social butterfly and
enjoyed spending time with family and friends. The majority of his friendships and family connections
were maintained for the better part of his lifetime.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents Margie and Robert, his oldest son Robert, and his wife
Sonya.
He is survived by his sisters Mary Wilson-Clark, Della (Graeme) Hargreaves, Patricia (John) Stewart,
Donald Wilson, Penny Wilson, Carolyn Michelle Coleman, and Mary Ellen Barnes. His aunt Della
Pennywell. His longtime partner Sabrina Burnett. His children Monique Thomas, Carmen Livsey, Khalil
Cotton, Samone (William) Ralston, Genara Burnett, TreShaun Burnett, Sabrina (Jemarca) Simmons,
Dominique Palmer, Devaron (Merci) Flint, and De’Erica Palmer. His 29 grandchildren and a host of great
grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
home surrounded by family.
Robert, whom most loving referred to as ‘Sweetie’ was born on March 16 th 1948 to Margaret Rhodes and
Robert Wilson. He was raised in Garfield where he attended Rogers elementary school and Peabody
high school. He was a natural sportsman who enjoyed karate, football, boxing, and fishing.
Following high school graduation, Robert worked in the steel mill before beginning his career as a
Building Inspector for the City of Pittsburgh, where he worked while attending the University of
Pittsburgh, attaining his Bachelor's degree in City Planning. He retired from the city.
Robert was a natural advisor, providing words of encouragement and wisdom to everyone that he
encountered. This provided a natural transition into a career of counseling which he provided in both a
substance abuse and faith-based setting, giving to many the message of recovery and Christianity.
In his own words, Robert wants to be remembered by his kind heart, the wisdom he shared, and the
passion he had for his family and multitude of friends. Many people, other than his natural children
referred to Robert as ‘dad’, as he was a staple in any community he called home. He embraced the
chaos of the many children that graced the household at all times. Robert was a social butterfly and
enjoyed spending time with family and friends. The majority of his friendships and family connections
were maintained for the better part of his lifetime.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents Margie and Robert, his oldest son Robert, and his wife
Sonya.
He is survived by his sisters Mary Wilson-Clark, Della (Graeme) Hargreaves, Patricia (John) Stewart,
Donald Wilson, Penny Wilson, Carolyn Michelle Coleman, and Mary Ellen Barnes. His aunt Della
Pennywell. His longtime partner Sabrina Burnett. His children Monique Thomas, Carmen Livsey, Khalil
Cotton, Samone (William) Ralston, Genara Burnett, TreShaun Burnett, Sabrina (Jemarca) Simmons,
Dominique Palmer, Devaron (Merci) Flint, and De’Erica Palmer. His 29 grandchildren and a host of great
grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.