Steven A. Wilson

Steven A. Wilson of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the age of 80. He was born on November 18, 1944, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Ruth and Al Wilson. Steve is survived by his wife, Kathy, daughter Kelly, son-in-law Robert, son Robert, daughter-in-law Kim, and son Patrick, as well as his grandchildren, Jack, Hayden, Kathryn, Sophia, Ian, and his brothers, Chuck and Nick. Steve was a loyal and generous alumnus of the University of Cincinnati, where he received his undergraduate degree, MBA, and an honorary doctorate. While he attended the university, Steve was a member and later the President of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, a member of Men of Metro, and Sigma Sigma. Participation in these organizations fostered lifelong friendships. Post graduation, he worked for Beta Theta Pi National Headquarters and then became President of their UC’s chapter’s building company. For his accomplishments, Steve was honored in the Beta Theta Pi Hall of Fame.

Steve had a very diverse, productive, and successful business career. He was one of the world’s leading experts in market research. This legacy was built by him and Jack Brown, starting when they became partners and managed the Burke Market Institute. Later on, Steve became President of Burke Market Research and led the company to become a top market research firm. With the company's success, he was able to facilitate business acquisitions and mergers. Steve became President and CEO of VNU Advisory Services, which is the parent company of ACNielsen and BASES.

As important as his professional success is his commitment and service to his community, which to a great extent includes the University of Cincinnati. Steve was a trustee and President of the UC Foundation and a member of the Order of the Black Blazer. For his services, he was awarded the Carl H. Lidner Medal for Outstanding Business Achievements.

Steve was a man of many accomplishments: a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, a trusted friend, and a philanthropic community member. He will be truly missed.

His memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming, 225 Wyoming Ave, Wyoming, Ohio, 45215. Reception immediately following the service.

To honor Steve’s memory and lifelong commitment to education, his family is establishing a scholarship fund in his name to support a student attending the University of Cincinnati from Wyoming High School. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Wyoming School Foundation, www.wyomingschoolfoundation.org or 420 Springfield Pike, Ste K, Wyoming, OH 45215.