Thomas E. Wilke

WILKE, Thomas E. Thomas Earl Wilke, 83, of Manchester, husband of Mona Toomey Wilke passed away at home on Monday, (September 4, 2006). A longtime parishioner of St. James Parish, he was born in Manchester and was a graduate of its local schools. He received further education from the University of Oklahoma and the University of Connecticut. He served in the US Army and the European Theatre during WWII where he was commissioned to Second Lieutenant. He was later called back to service during the Korean Conflict. Besides his wife Monica of 55 years, Tom is survived by his four children and their spouses, Maureen and Doug Ogrean, Michele and Peter Petrone, Mary Pat and Tim Devanney, and Tom and Rakel Wilke. He was the very proud grandfather to 15 wonderful grandchildren; Daniel Paquette; Erin and Eric Ogrean; Anthony, Kimberly and Matthew Petrone; Mandy, Molly, John, Tim, and Cathleen Devanney; Christine and Jon Sheehan; Ingrid, Peter and Emily Wilke. He was also the recent great grandfather to Maggie Sheehan. He also leaves his sisters Betty Everett and Maryann Lathrop along with several nieces and nephews. His brother-in-law Tom Toomey and his wife Cathy will miss him greatly as well as their children and grandchildren. Missing him also will be his four-legged companion Tully. He owned several businesses in Connecticut through the years including T.E. Wilke Associates, Belmont Rug & Carpet Cleaning, Vulcan Radiator, Essex Sash & Door and Norwalk Wilbert Vault. He was a lifelong member and past Commander of the US Power Squadron, The Nayaug Yacht Club and the Old Harbor Yacht Club. In addition, he was a proud member of the Manchester Citizens Police Academy. After retirement he obtained the position of Director of Transportation for Highland Park Market where he was loved by both his fellow workers and customers. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 9, at 8:15 a.m. from the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. at St. James Church, Main St., Manchester, followed by burial, with full military honors, in East Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday evening from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to MACC Soup Kitchen, 33 Park St., P.O. Box 3804, Manchester, CT 06045-3804 or to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. James Church, 896 Main St., Manchester, CT 06040.