PDN worker remembered for big heart, loyalty

The Palatka Daily News is mourning one of its own.

Robert Lynn Wilson Jr., 41, who worked in the newspaper’s mailroom, died July 1 after a brief illness. Wilson attended school in the Putnam County School District and eventually began working at the Daily News in 2016.

Petra Von Hahmann, Wilson’s supervisor, said she will always remember him as a “carefree, happy-go-lucky young man.” She also recalled his signature work attire: his beanie and camo jacket.

“He was an individual who, if you needed help, would jump in and help, no question asked,” Von Hahmann said. “He enjoyed listening to his music – mostly old rock – and loved playing “Call of Duty” with his friends.”

Daily News Publisher Jennifer Moates expressed her sadness over Wilson’s passing and offered her condolences to his family.

Wilson was a valued member of the Daily News family, she said, and his co-workers will miss seeing him in the building.

“We consider each other family here at the newspaper, and it is never easy to lose one of our own,” Moates said. “Robert was a hardworking and dedicated employee and will be sorely missed.”

While Wilson left behind a work family, he also had his biological family. He had a daughter and grandmother, who were his “two big loves,” Von Hahmann said.

Calling Wilson an old soul in a young man’s body, Von Hahmann remembers him talking about his daughter and grandmother to anyone who would listen.

Von Hahmann said Wilson’s dedication to his biological and work families was unwavering, to the point where he never called her “ma’am” or referred to her as his boss.

Instead, she said, he referred to her as a mother figure.

“We never forget him coming in from outside near closing time and saying, ‘Mommie, I got the keys.’” Von Hahmann said in an email. “He never called me his supervisor. He called me Mommie.

“Robert will be forever in our hearts, and we miss him already.”