Robert E. Wilson

Southold resident Robert E. Wilson, formerly a longtime resident of Massapequa, died April 5 at Sunrise Senior Living in East Setauket. He was 94. 

He was born Jan. 1, 1921, in Patchogue to Raymond and Gertrude Wilson. He graduated from Patchogue High School in 1938 and later attended RCA Radio School.

Family members said Mr. Wilson had an early love of radio that led to a job with Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) in 1940. During his 43-year career, he held key positions in field operations and facilities management. He worked on-site supervision for political conventions, presidential inaugurations, NASA launches and news events such as Richards Nixon’s historic trip to Moscow.

During World War II he was part of a select team called American British Laboratories (ABL 15) that focused on counter-radar measures in Europe.

Family members said Mr. Wilson loved water and boating, which brought him to Southold after retiring in 1983. He also loved radio, and being a Ham radio operator and became a member of Peconic Amateur Radio Club.

Predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Camille (née Lux) in 2011, Mr. Wilson is survived by his sons, Brian, of Naples, Fla., Kevin, of Haydenville, Mass. and Peter, of Tenafly, N.J.; his daughter, Pamela, of Saratoga Springs; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Cremation was private.

Arrangements were in the care of Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue.