Robert W. Wilson

Robert W. Wilson, Warren Grove, NJ

Bob, as he liked to be called, was born to Aaron P.(Pete) Wilson and H. Viola Cranmer Wilson on January 14, 1940 in Point Pleasant, NJ.  He was a graduate of Manasquan High School, class of 1958.  He was raised in the Allenwood section of Wall Township, Monmouth County before returning to his mother’s childhood home in Warren Grove to work with his uncles, Clarence Cranmer and John Watson on the Cranmer & Watson Turkey Farm until it closed in 1963.  Next, he stayed on to work with his Uncle Clarence’s new business venture, C. Cranmer Trucking.  When his Uncle Clarence retired, Bob became a partner with (Skip) Hubert Ivins owning L& I Trucking and Parker’s Garage in Robbinsville.  When Skip retired, Bob went to work for Don Ling Trucking as a driver.  He officially retired in 2012.  

Bob was an accomplished mechanic, driver and hobby farmer. He was known for his very large gardens which he loved to share with his family, friends and neighbors.  He loved to talk about the good old days growing up on his grandparents farm in Allenwood (Wilson Dairy and Vegetable Farm) and his days working on the Cranmer & Watson Turkey Farm in Warren Grove, as well as other long forgotten things around the Manahawkin area.  Bob was a lifetime Yankees fan and loved to play softball.  He would tell you about all of the good local players he’d seen over the years playing ball in the 60’s and 70’s for Tip’s Hardware and Beach Haven Moose, where he was a member.  He was a founding and lifetime exempt member of the Warren Grove Fire Company and member of the Pomona Meadows Beagle Club.

Most importantly, Bob was a proud husband and father of four children; his family meant the world to him.  He loved spending time and having family dinners with everyone.  Bob had three children with his first wife, Dorothy Reeder Collins (who predeceased him in 2019). Their children are Lynn Cruse (Steve) of Manahawkin, Robin Orlando (Michael) of Little Egg Harbor (Robin predeceased him in 2022) and Robert C. Wilson (Debbie) of Chatsworth.  After raising his older children, Bob married his wife Elizabeth (Betty) Bigwood Wilson with whom he had his youngest child, Christopher Wilson of Warren Grove.  He was predeceased by Betty in 2014.  Bob had nine grandchildren - Matthew Orlando of Little Egg Harbor, Ryan Orlando (Jessica) of Blackwood, Hannah Orlando (Libby) of Garland, Texas, Brandon Cruse (Kate) of Ruther Glen, VA, Lauren Cruse of Manahawkin, Breanna Wilson of Little Egg Harbor, Taylor Wilson of Chatsworth, Virginia Wilson of Maple Shade and Robert C. Wilson, Jr. of Chatsworth.  Bob also had two great granddaughters, Amory Wilson and Amelia Cruse.

Bob’s cheerful presence will be sadly missed by family and friends alike.  

Visiting hours will be Monday, November 13, 2023 from 10:00am until his funeral service, 12:00pm at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.»(Do not delete this line. It does not print.  Text that is to appear on web must be entered before this line) Interment will follow at Reevestown Cemetery, Warren Grove, NJ.