Guided by faith and a lifetime of adventure in the skies, Phil "Wick" Wickersham, loving father and husband, went to be with the Lord on November 19, 2025.
Phil was born in Erie, PA in 1939 to parents Clifford and Ella Wickersham. Raised on an apple farm, he developed a lifelong dedication to hard work and gratitude. Life on the farm gave Phil many stories to share, including the time he fell asleep on the tractor and his dad woke him up by spraying him with the hose—a memory that always brought laughter to family gatherings.
Phil answered a lifelong calling to the skies, serving as a skilled and passionate pilot. He first flew for Whirlpool before applying to several airlines, but he wasn't getting any callbacks. It weighed heavily on his heart. After being hired by American in 1965 and later seeing many of those airlines fail, he realized that was God taking care of him.
His love for flying not only shaped his career but also led him to meet the love of his life, Anne, a flight attendant. One day in the late 1960s, a young, wide-eyed First Officer was greeted by a beautiful stewardess who opened the cockpit door and placed some suitcases on the floor behind his seat. "Bins are all full in first," she said to Phil with a wink and smile, "So these bags are going in here with you!"
That ordinary flight became the start of a one-of-a-kind love story - one that would span more than 55 years. After meeting in the skies, Anne and Phil soon transferred to American's Buffalo base, where their relationship grew into a devoted marriage. In East Amherst, NY, they purchased their first home and began building a life together. Their joy multiplied with the arrival of their daughter, Jennifer, followed by their first son, Jeffrey. Later, a move to Dallas brought new adventures and the blessing of their second son, Brian.
Phil summed up his love for aviation best: "I can't believe I actually get paid to fly." He retired from his dream career with American Airlines in June 1999, but quickly realized there was still work to be done. By August, he had joined Flexjet, where he flew for five years. Even after retiring for good, he stayed busy tinkering around the house and working on his airplane—always fixing something and finding joy in keeping things running. A flashlight was never far from reach, just in case something needed inspecting. Some of his favorite memories were flying with friends from Hicks Airfield just to grab breakfast or lunch.
Through every chapter, Phil devoted his life to taking care of his family. He especially treasured time with his grandchildren, Luke and Zoe, who brought him endless joy and pride.
Phil's legacy is one of kindness, integrity, and unwavering faith. He touched countless lives with his gentle spirit and friendly smile. Though he has taken his final flight, we rejoice knowing he has landed safely in the arms of his Savior. Phil will be deeply missed but forever remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7
Phil is survived by his children, Jennifer, Jeffrey, and Brian, and his grandchildren, Luke and Zoe. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Anne; his parents, Clifford and Ella Wickersham; and his brother Dave Wickersham.
The family looks forward to honoring Phil and Anne with a celebration of life in early 2026 and will share details soon. The family also invites donations to be made in his name to the EAA Young Eagles, helping inspire the next generation with a love of aviation: https://www.eaa.org/foundation/giving-opportunities Please click "Dedicate this gift to a friend or loved one" and select the "Young Eagles Fund."
Phil was born in Erie, PA in 1939 to parents Clifford and Ella Wickersham. Raised on an apple farm, he developed a lifelong dedication to hard work and gratitude. Life on the farm gave Phil many stories to share, including the time he fell asleep on the tractor and his dad woke him up by spraying him with the hose—a memory that always brought laughter to family gatherings.
Phil answered a lifelong calling to the skies, serving as a skilled and passionate pilot. He first flew for Whirlpool before applying to several airlines, but he wasn't getting any callbacks. It weighed heavily on his heart. After being hired by American in 1965 and later seeing many of those airlines fail, he realized that was God taking care of him.
His love for flying not only shaped his career but also led him to meet the love of his life, Anne, a flight attendant. One day in the late 1960s, a young, wide-eyed First Officer was greeted by a beautiful stewardess who opened the cockpit door and placed some suitcases on the floor behind his seat. "Bins are all full in first," she said to Phil with a wink and smile, "So these bags are going in here with you!"
That ordinary flight became the start of a one-of-a-kind love story - one that would span more than 55 years. After meeting in the skies, Anne and Phil soon transferred to American's Buffalo base, where their relationship grew into a devoted marriage. In East Amherst, NY, they purchased their first home and began building a life together. Their joy multiplied with the arrival of their daughter, Jennifer, followed by their first son, Jeffrey. Later, a move to Dallas brought new adventures and the blessing of their second son, Brian.
Phil summed up his love for aviation best: "I can't believe I actually get paid to fly." He retired from his dream career with American Airlines in June 1999, but quickly realized there was still work to be done. By August, he had joined Flexjet, where he flew for five years. Even after retiring for good, he stayed busy tinkering around the house and working on his airplane—always fixing something and finding joy in keeping things running. A flashlight was never far from reach, just in case something needed inspecting. Some of his favorite memories were flying with friends from Hicks Airfield just to grab breakfast or lunch.
Through every chapter, Phil devoted his life to taking care of his family. He especially treasured time with his grandchildren, Luke and Zoe, who brought him endless joy and pride.
Phil's legacy is one of kindness, integrity, and unwavering faith. He touched countless lives with his gentle spirit and friendly smile. Though he has taken his final flight, we rejoice knowing he has landed safely in the arms of his Savior. Phil will be deeply missed but forever remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7
Phil is survived by his children, Jennifer, Jeffrey, and Brian, and his grandchildren, Luke and Zoe. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Anne; his parents, Clifford and Ella Wickersham; and his brother Dave Wickersham.
The family looks forward to honoring Phil and Anne with a celebration of life in early 2026 and will share details soon. The family also invites donations to be made in his name to the EAA Young Eagles, helping inspire the next generation with a love of aviation: https://www.eaa.org/foundation/giving-opportunities Please click "Dedicate this gift to a friend or loved one" and select the "Young Eagles Fund."
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Phillip Allen Wickersham, please visit our flower store.
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