Robert Martin Guinessey

Guinessey Robert Martin Robert Martin Guinessey, 80, of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at his home. Bob was born September 6, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating from high school, he entered the US Navy in 1948 and was honorably discharged in 1952. He graduated from University of Connecticut in 1956 with a BS. He pursued a 30 year career in sales management with Owens Illinois, retiring in 1987 as Vice President of Sales, Libbey-Glass division. Bob and Sallie then made their home in Wilmington, NC. He was a phenomenal athlete, excelling in many sports, playing basketball for his high school, the Navy and UConn. An avid golfer and tennis player, he challenged his sons-in-laws till the end. He enjoyed writing poetry, discussing the meaning of life, walking his dogs, hunting for golf balls and teasing his many friends and grandchildren. While he loved the ocean, crossword puzzles, nature, and storytelling, his true passions were his wife, his daughters and his grandchildren. We will remember him as a big-hearted, wise-cracking Irishman full of warmth and jocularity. May God bless Him. Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Sarah Sallie Tarvin Guinessey, his five daughters and their spouses: Joan and John Sweeney, Peg and Ed Eding, Terrie and John Piluso, Laura and Kurt Bernsdorff, and Sarah and Jeff Kozej, and his 21 adoring grandchildren. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-8:00pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd. where a Scripture and Sharing Service will be held at 7:30pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 Main St., Sylvania, OH 43560. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of America 1275 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA. 30309 Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.