Robert John “Bob” Wharton, age 76, of Pinehurst, North Carolina passed away March 4, 2023 in his home. He was born February 22, 1947 in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Harry and Martha Wharton. He attended St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey and then graduated from St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, he served as a sergeant in the US Army and was stationed in South Korea. On September 18, 1971 he married Kathleen “Kathy” McCarthy in Clark, New Jersey. Bob worked for 30 years in pharmaceutical sales for Eli Lilly & Co. Bob worked tirelessly to drive sales across the country. Upon retirement, Bob and Kathy moved to Hilton Head, South Carolina. Retirement for Bob meant finding a new way to work, as a golf course ranger and starter at top rated courses like Palmetto Hall and Haig Point. Bob and Kathy moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina in 2013 to be closer to their three children. Bob continued to work as a golf course starter and ranger at Pinehurst Resorts. Bob was an avid sports fan, especially of the Indianapolis Colts and Duke University men’s basketball. And valued his time as a volunteer at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Wharton of Pinehurst, North Carolina; daughter Kristen Dibble and husband, Ed of Charlotte, North Carolina; son Thomas Wharton and wife, Mindy, of Cary, North Carolina and their daughter, Veronica Wharton; sister-in-law Maureen Vincent of New Jersey; and many other loving family members and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Martha Wharton, his daughter, Jean Wharton, his brother, James Wharton, and sister-in-law Elisabeth Wharton.
The funeral mass will take place Thursday, March 16,2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic at 300 Dundee Road in Pinehurst, North Carolina Visitation will begin at 10 am. A rosary will be recited with a funeral mass to follow at 11 am. At Bob’s request, neckties are not to be worn, but proper attire is expected.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Cancer Walk, ℅ Team Jean, 2005 Thorpshire Drive, Raleigh, NC 27615 or at ovarianawareness.org.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Service arrangements have been entrusted to Boles Funeral Home.
