Robert Wilmot Grant

Robert Wilmont Grant, known to all as Bob, passed away on March 21, 2026, at the age of 93. He was born on May 26, 1932, to Harold and Ester Grant in Staten Island, New York. Bob had five siblings: Harold, Charles, Irene, Ethyl and Linda. Bob graduated from Totenville High School in 1950 and enjoyed playing sandlot baseball and football. His favorite job in high school was escorting a blind neighbor to and from his place of work.

Bob attended Wagner College in Staten Island and studied physics for two years before being drafted into the Army in 1952 to serve in the Korean War. He left college for basic training in Virginia. From there, he and his fellow soldiers took a train to Seattle and shipped out to Korea where he was stationed at an Army Base. Bob served as Staff Sergeant (three up, two down) as an airplane and helicopter mechanic. Bob returned to Wagner College, thanks to the GI Bill, and graduated in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in physics. Shortly after, he met the love of this life, Alice Markey, at her St. Mary’s nursing school graduation party. They began dating and were married on June 7, 1959, and were inseparable for over six decades.

As a young couple, Bob and Alice moved to New Town Square in Pennsylvania where Bob worked as an engineer for Boroughs and RCA. There they welcomed two boys, Tim and Jimmy. The family then relocated to Binghamton, New York where Bob worked as a project engineer for IBM. There they welcomed son Michael to their growing family. In 1965, Bob was transferred to IBM’s offices at Research Triangle Park in Raleigh, North Carolina. The family relocated to Cary where their fourth son, John, was born. Bob and Alice raised their family in Cary. Bob continued to work for IBM until he retired in 1992.

The young family enjoyed many vacations including visiting Disney World in Florida, house boating at Lake Dale Hollow in Kentucky and annual summer vacations at Ocean Isle beach in North Carolina. There he taught his boys how to fish, crab and play poker.

Bob actively involved himself in his sons’ sports endeavors, volunteering as a basketball and baseball coach and booster club member. He was a constant fixture either on the sidelines or in the stands cheering his sons on during their games. Bob maintained very close relationships with his adult sons and had the unique honor to serve as best man in all their weddings.

Bob was every bit as dedicated as a grandfather as he had been a father. He deeply loved his seven grandchildren and was actively involved in their lives. The family cherished the numerous family reunions at Ocean Isle Beach in a beach house filled with grandchildren.

Bob and Alice volunteered for the United Service Organization at the Raleigh Airport for four years greeting and assisting fellow service members. Bob had a sincere appreciation for all those who served our country, especially the Greatest Generation. Bob and Alice enjoyed many weekends at Shell Island in Wrightsville Beach and the North Carolina mountains. They also enjoyed European and Caribbean vacations.

Bob is preceded in death by his father and mother, Harold and Ester, by his brothers, Harold and Charles and his sisters Ethyl and Linda. He survived by his wife of 67 years, Alice, and by his children: Tim (wife Amy), Jimmy (wife Heidi), Michael (wife Melanie) and John (wife Frances), including grandchildren: Andrew and Reilly (Tim); Cameron, Julia and Max Grant (Jimmy); and Alison and Ryder Grant (John). He is also survived by his sister, Irene Peterson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob will be remembered as a dedicated husband, loving and supportive father, loyal brother and super proud grandfather. His successful life journey is now complete and his legacy is secured. May he rest in peace in heaven in the presence of his heavenly Father.

The family wishes to thank all those that provided care, support and love from Wake Wellness Center and Spring Arbor Assisted Living in Cary. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the United Service Organization of North Carolina: 2400 John Brantley Blvd. Morrisville, NC, 27560; NorthCarolina.uso.org