James J. Wichman, Jr.

Beloved ‘Bee-pa’

James J. Wichman, Jr, 78, of Newtown died November 8 at Danbury Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mr Wichman was born in Irvington, N.J. on June 9, 1928. He grew up in Bethel and attended Bethel schools. He was the son of the late James J. Wichman and Margaret Mary (Lane) Wichman.

He was a paratrooper in the United State Army and served in the Korean War. He was also a member of the United States Merchant Marine. He later worked for Mobil and Arco oil corporations as a seaman for 45 years. Mr Wichman made his home and raised his family in Newtown.

After retiring, spending time with his family was most important to him. A beloved father and grandfather, he will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him.

In addition to his wife, Maraget (Dzubak) Wichman of Newtown, he is survived by his daughter, Mamie Gleissner and her husband, Ron, of Bethel; his daughter, Liz Lisewski and her husband, Bill, of Oxford; his son, Jim Wichman and his wife, Heather, of Southington; his stepdaughter, Jacqui Gantnier of Accord, N.Y. and her son, Travis Lewis.

He is also survived by his sister, Mary (Wichman) Zardus and husband, John, of Yardley, Penn., as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition, he leaves behind his most precious gifts – his beloved granddaughters, Molly Gleissner, Abigail Gleissner, Chloe Gleissner, and Cassidy Wichman. They will miss their “Bee-pa” tremendously, but the love he had for his girls will be treasured always.

The family would like to thank the outstanding nursing staff at Danbury Hospital/11 East for the excellent care given during Mr Wichman’s final weeks.

Funeral services were held November 12, Green Funeral Home, Danbury.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St Rose Church in Newtown on November 13.

The Newtown Bee                        November 17, 2006