Robert H. Wiltse

Wiltse, Sr., Robert H. 87, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Northside Hospital. Born in Catskill, NY, he came here in 1984 from Bethesda, MD. He earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from The Maxwell School of Citizenship, Syracuse University. He served "three years, four months, three days, 11 hours and 40 minutes" in the United States Army 82nd Medical Battalion, 12th Armored Division during World War II. He was employed at the Central Intelligence Agency for 28 years. During his tenure with the CIA, he served one foreign tour in London, England and traveled throughout the world. He rose to the highest ranks in the CIA before retiring in 1979, receiving the Intelligence Medal of Merit. Following retirement he and his wife traveled extensively before settling in St. Petersburg. His many activities in St. Petersburg included writing guest columns for the St. Pete Times; one of the most memorable was his poignant account of his experience liberating prisoners of one of the Nazi Concentration camps. He was an accomplished woodcarver creating a variety of works including likenesses of sports figures, journalists, and dignitaries. He was a member of ASPEC, the Museum of Fine Arts, the St. Petersburg Historic Museum, and Tiger Bay. Before he lost his vision to macular degeneration, he was an avid golfer, bridge player, reader of mysteries, and solver of crossword puzzles. For his family's benefit, he authored his autobiography. He was a man of quiet strength who never criticized or complained. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son. He is survived by his wife, Marguerite "Meg" Wiltse, St. Petersburg, FL. They planned to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on June 26. He is also survived by his sons Robert H. Wiltse, Jr., of Maynard, MA, and Dean A. Wiltse, of Scottsdale, AZ, a daughter Linda W. Ricci of Bartlett, TN, his sister Barbara W. Bates, of Sarasota, FL and brother The Reverend Roderic Wiltse of St. Louis, MO, and 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Alexander, mother, Helena, and brother Alexander, Jr. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00AM on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home- N.E. St. Petersburg Chapel-727 822-2059