Thomas Henry Wickman

Thomas Henry Wickman LAKE KATRINE- Thomas Henry Wickman, 70 of Lake Katrine passed away May 18th, 2011 at the Benedictine Hospital after a courageous and impressive battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the loving care of his devoted family and the staff of four SMC . "Tee Dee" inspired him to make a promise and fight the battle for his family. He did this with dignity, determination and never lost his sense of humor. Tom was born May 25, 1940 in Washington, D.C. to the late Aleeta and Henry Wickman. He graduated Kingston High School in 1958. He proudly served in the United States Air Force, Airman 2nd Class from 1958 to 1962 as a jet engine mechanic on a KC135. He was later employed by IBM and retired after 30 years as a Senior Systems Analyst. Following his retirement with IBM, Tom proudly worked as Deputy Director of the Ulster County Veterans Service Agency. He was honored to help our country's veterans. He later fulfilled a lifelong dream of working on the Hudson River aboard the Rip Van Winkle greeting every guest with a warm smile. Tom was a self-accomplished, motivated and interesting person who loved a challenge. He achieved many goals, including the title of "Sharp Shooter" in pistol competition and his black belt in Judo at the age of 60. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, gardening and photography. He looked forward to his annual Dippykill trips, his "Jets Bets" and weekly hot dog outings. His most favorite times were spent with family and friends. Many happy memories were made going to "the mountains" and on casino trips with his wife Joann. He mesmerized his grandchildren with his magical storytelling. He is an author of a children's book which will soon be published. Tom's motto was: "I did it my way". Tom was a parishoner of Saint Catherine Laboure, an adorner at the Devine Mercy Adoration Chapel, a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club, Lamoree Hacket Post 72 American Legion, the Morgan Hill Game Association and a past member of the Wittenberg Gun Club. Tom was a loving and devoted husband and best friend to his wife Josephine (Joann) Wickman whom he married on May 15, 1965, he was a loving and proud father to Mary Jo Horick (fondly called "Joey") of Albany and Marcie Tuey (aka: "Point Guard") of Lake Katrine. Tom was the father-in-law of Edward Horick of Albany and John Tuey of Ulster Park. He was a proud and loving Poppy to Christopher and Jessica Horick, Justin, Kiersten and Maddy Tuey and Taylor Reynolds. He is also survived by a dear friend John Collins who was like a son to him. He was also honored to be "Poppy" to many others he loved. He is also survived by his sister, Ann (Wickman) Klomps and her husband Tom, of Panama City Beach, Fla., sister-in-law, Mary Rose DeDea and her husband Bob of Lake Katrine and brother-in-law Ed Feldweg of Pleasant Valley. He has two nephews, four nieces and seven great-nieces. His sister, Mary (Wickman) Feldweg died previously. Funeral arrangements are by the Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, Inc., 27 Smith Avenue, Kingston (www.jvleahyf h.com). The Wickman family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday (today) from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral procession will form 9 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by his dear friend and pastor, Father John Kearney at 10 a.m. at Saint Catherine Laboure Church. Burial with military honors will follow in Saint Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Saint Catherine Laboure, P.O. Box 271, Lake Katrine, New York 12449 or Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, C/O Voluntary Services, 113 Holland Avenue Albany, New York 12208. We express our sincere heartfelt gratitude for all the kindness, compassion and love shown to us during this difficult journey. You are truly angels among us.