Robert Wilusz (MATTHEWS, NC) – Robert (Bob) Wilusz, age 84, of Matthews, NC died 8 August 2026. Bob was born in Jersey City, NJ and is the son of the late Thaddeus and Teresa Wilusz. Bob served in the United States Navy from 1962-1966 and attended the Naval School of Music in 1962. Upon graduation, he became part of the United States Navy Band playing the accordion and percussion instruments from 1963-1966. His duty stations were the United States Naval School of Music, Washington DC; Naval Base San Diego, California serving sea duty aboard the USS Constellation; and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas.

In 1963, he married the late Barbara Wilusz and were happily married for 48.5 years before her passing away in 2012. After finishing his tour with the United States Navy, they moved back to Jersey City, NJ where he worked as a Wall Street trader. In 1977, they moved to Charlotte, NC to continue his career in the finance business and worked his way up to Vice President of Retail Trading for Wells Fargo. After 50 years working in Investment Banking, Bob retired from Wells Fargo in 2003.

While Bob lived in Charlotte, he was involved in many activities helping others and bringing joy and music where ever he went. Bob was a member of the Charlotte Folk Music Society and as a member conducted educational programs for public school children and children’s music workshops. In 1999, Bob won the Ambassador of Music award by the Charlotte Folk Music Society for his accomplishments in working with old time music. He loved reaching out to people of all ages with his gift and passion for music whether it be playing his accordion for the children of Holy Angels or the seniors at nursing homes. Bob used his gift with music to help people with Alzheimer’s to help with their memory and to recall their past and who they were. He played in many festivals and parades throughout the Southeast states. He was the founder of the Carolina Accordion Association, a member of the Knights of Columbus reaching the rank of 4 th degree, a member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, and a member of the local Veterans Foreign Wars for 35 years.

Bob struggled in the later years with memory problems and passed away due to age related events. He was always willing to help all that needed a helping hand and was such an inspiration to all that met him. He will be truly missed. Bob is survived by his second wife of 12 years, Dianne Wilusz: two daughters, Debbie Roach and her husband Chris Roach, and Robin Schibetta and her husband Chuck Schibetta. They each have two children: Megan Braun, her husband -Dustin Braun, and Connor Roach; and Katie Rock, her husband – Michael Rock; and Bobby Schibetta. Bob is also survived by his sister-in-law, Carol Wilusz: her children Gregory, Michael and Susan; his brother-in-law, Charles Kerekes and wife Kim; their children Adam and David.

Funeral will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be sent in his name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. The family of Mr. Wilusz is being served by Palmetto Funeral Home, 2049 Carolina Place Dr., Fort Mill, SC.