Robert B. Wilkinson ’61

Bob died Oct. 26, 2024, in San Diego, Calif.

Born in Camden, N.J., he came to us from Vineland High School. At Princeton, he majored in chemical engineering, participated in track for two years, played IAA sports, and was an NROTC midshipman, which foreshadowed his long career in the Navy. He took his meals at Cloister Inn and roomed with Damon Runyan and Ed Zschau in Patton Hall.

Following Princeton, Bob entered the Navy’s Submarine Service and retired as a captain after 27 years of service. Along the way he earned a master’s degree in mathematics at Purdue University. After retiring from the Navy, he worked for the Department of Energy in environmental cleanup work and had leadership assignments with Allied Technology Group, Duke Engineering, and Perkin-Elmer. Roomie Ed Zschau observed that “Bob’s contributions to the energy field after his military retirement are significant and inspiring.” As persons of deep faith, he and his wife of 63 years, Judy, were deeply involved in their churches wherever they lived.

Bob is survived by Judy; daughters Beth ’84 and Lisa; and their families, which include six grandchildren.