Robert A. Wilson 1953-2025

“Bob” to most, he was a husband, father, Pap, uncle, cousin, friend to many, Warren YMCA member, voracious reader, world traveler, lifelong learner, Sig brother, mentor and educational leader who retired as the Lakeview Schools superintendent in 2019. He served as the Lakeview High School principal prior to that, with 30 years combined service to the students and their families, staff members and the Lakeview community. Passionate about public schools, Bob enthusiastically sought to provide quality, effective education for all, and served on several boards and committees within Trumbull County. Bob was most proud of spearheading the construction of Lakeview PK-8 School, which opened in September 2018.

Larger than life, quick-witted with a great sense of humor, and the ability to talk with anyone and make them feel welcomed, Bob approached each day with a purpose and energy unsurpassed with a family-first attitude both at home and at school. His was a life well-lived.

Born Feb. 28, 1953, in Warren, Bob was the son of Florence N. and Alfred O. Wilson. He was a 1971 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, a 1975 graduate of The College of Wooster and later received a Master of Education degree from Westminster College.

Bob did not begin his post-college career in education. He was employed by General Motors at Packard Electric, but quickly realized that was not his calling. He pursued achieving the necessary coursework at Youngstown State University to become a teacher, spending time in the Warren City School District as a substitute teacher and later completing his student teaching there as well. He taught social studies at Lakeview High School in 1982 and later at Liberty High School before becoming assistant principal there.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence Nicholas and Alfred O. Wilson; sister, Diane Wilson Martin, and brother-in-law, John Martin; mother-in-law, Mary Grace Ruane, and father-in-law, Patrick Ruane; sister-in-law, Kathleen Ruane Dundee; brother in-law, Jeffrey Phillips; and niece, Debora Martin Morvay.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his wife of 40 years, Margaret Ruane Wilson; son, Robert P. (Katherine) Wilson; daughter, Molly E. Wilson; and infant granddaughter, Evelyn Wilson.

In addition, Bob leaves his beloved extended family of Ruanes, sister-in-law, Mary Beth Phillips; brothers-in-law, Michael, James (Maria), Sean (Kellie) and Patrick (Laurie); and all of his nieces and nephews, Brigitte (Anthony) Oliverio and David J. Morvay, Katie, Krista and Sean Phillips, Grace Ruane, Michaela (John) Graham and Sarah (Bryce) Tricker, Patrick and Colin Ruane, Joseph Dundee and Seamus Ruane.

Bob donated blood through the Red Cross for more than 35 years. On Valentine’s Day 2024, after a weekend snowshoeing in Utah, Bob went to the Cortland United Methodist Church for a scheduled blood donation. Much to his dismay, he failed the finger-prick test due to low hemoglobin and was unable to give. A few days later, he was diagnosed with AML and spent his 71st birthday enduring the first of many rounds of chemotherapy.

Bob is referred to as a “Hero for Babies” due to his O-positive, CMV-negative blood, which is the safest for immunodeficient newborns needing transfusions. Over the years and as frequently as the Red Cross allowed, Bob gave “double reds,” hoping to help as many people as possible and “fill the tank” for all those who needed it.

His days of giving blood turned into days of receiving as he continued to need transfusions throughout his cancer journey. His goal was to leave this earth having donated more blood than he ever received.

Together we can help alleviate the national blood shortage and make Bob’s wish come true. An “In Memory of Bob Wilson” Blood Drive will be held 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 6, 2025, at Lakeview High School, 300 Hillman Drive, Cortland, OH 44410.

In lieu of flowers, make donations to the American Red Cross of Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley, 501 West Market St., Akron, OH 44303.

Calling hours will be 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at St. Robert Catholic Church, 4659 Niles Cortland Road, Cortland, OH 44410, with a memorial Mass following at 10 a.m.

The family is in the care of Lane Funeral Home, Roberts-Clark Chapel, with online condolences being made at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

(special notice)