Robert Wilkinson, PhD

Robert E. Wilkinson  Professor of English, Villanova University

Robert Edwin Wilkinson 93 beloved Professor of English and at the time of his retirement the longest tenured professor in the history of Villanova died of cancer on Friday, August 23. Born in Meriden, Connecticut, a son of the late Joseph B. Wilkinson and Ann (Smallwood) Wilkinson, he served in the Navy during World War II and in the Navy Reserves during the Korean War. Wilkinson earned his B.A. in English from Stonehill College in 1952 and was a member of that school's first graduating class. He received an M.A. at Boston University in 1956 and did further graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his Ph.D. At Stonehill, Wilkinson was inspired by his English and History professors to become a college professor—a decision that had a profound impact on the nearly 12,000 students who were fortunate to attend his classes in a career spanning 49 years.

At Villanova, Wilkinson was renowned for the enthusiasm he brought to his subject matter. Whether he was teaching Freshman English or a Faulkner seminar, he made students feel that they were the only ones in the room. His booming voice, infectious smile, and impeccable style made his class come alive—and woe to those who came to class unprepared! In a time before spellcheck, one misspelling on a paper earned students an automatic C. If they were foolish enough to have three, they started at an F. For those students who worked hard enough to earn an A in his class, “Doc”—as he was known on campus—would write personal letters to parents acknowledging hard work, how much he enjoyed having the student in his class, and thanking parents for the opportunity to teach their child. His infamous end-of-semester parties on the last day of class were perhaps the most unique and stress-free way to review for finals ever devised.

Wilkinson formed numerous friendships with students, many of which lasted a lifetime. Whether they were famous or not—and his former students included the late musician Jim Croce, a Pulitzer prize winner, and a former governor of Connecticut—he could relate to anyone with a generosity of spirit that made everyone feel special. Wilkinson earned the respect of students and colleagues alike. Although he served twice as Chair of the English Department, he relished his time spent in the classroom. He once said it enabled him "to teach the subject I love to the people I love at the place I love." Wilkinson was the only member in the history of the university to receive awards as both Best Teacher at the University and Best Teacher in the College of Arts and Sciences. A resident of Havertown for over 55 years, he is survived by a sister Joan and predeceased by his partner of 37 years Robert Hosler, another sister Mary, and his brothers Joseph, David, and Frederick. In lieu of Flowers please send donations in his memory to the Villanova University Scholarship Fund 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA 19085 or to Stonehill College Scholarship Fund, 320 Washington St., Easton, MA 02357.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass Tuesday, September 3, 2019, 10:30 AM at Annunciation B.V.M. Church, 401 Brookline Blvd., Havertown, PA, where friends may greet from 9:30 - 10:25 AM.  Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

Arranged by:  The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA  19073, 610-353-6300.