Robert Martin Guinessey

September 6, 1929 - September 16, 2009
Robert Martin Guinessey

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Robert Martin Guinessey 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 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.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s in Sylvania, Ohio on Monday , September 21, 2009. A local service will be held 11:00 am, Monday, October 26, 2009 at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Hampstead, NC

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of America 1275 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA. 30309

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • September 19, 2009
    Lynda Wszalek says:
    I met Bob when I was working at the Exxon at Porter's Neck Road. He was always telling me stories about his playing basketball or golfing. He even brought in pictures of him as a young man with a basketball team. I think he told me he played in the service. He always had a smile on his face. The last time I saw Bob, just in the past two weeks, he was in the floral department at Harris Teeter's in Porter's Neck, I asked him if he was behaving himself, he said of course not, that is why is was buying some flowers for his wife. Sarah, you may not remember me, but I was introduced to you at the Harris Teeter, Bob had some of the free cookies from the bakery and he was taking them back to the car to eat while you shopped. I did not know him for very long, but he truly was a wonderful man, always kind to me, and even if I was having a bad day a work he would say "cheer up kid" and give me a "high five". I am very sorry for your family's loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.