WIECHETEK--Dr. Walter J. MD, MPH, died peacefully on Sunday, March 29th, 2020. Born in 1945 in Bayonne, NJ, he was the only son of Mary Ann (nee Skrzypczak) and Walter F. Wiechetek. He graduated from St. Peter's Prep (1962), Seton Hall University (1966), University of Maryland Medical School (1972) and Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (1974). In 1973, he received the Kellogg Award from his residency program at Roosevelt Hospital - Columbia University. Named as one of the 100 significant graduates at the Medical School's 200th Anniversary, Dr. Wiechetek was published in numerous medical journals. During summers he worked as a physician on the philanthropic Floating Hospital Ship of NYC. He belonged to the Royal Society of Medicine, the Aerospace Medical Association, the University Club of Washington DC and numerous professional organizations and civic groups. He was the youngest Medical Director for the Abraham and Strauss retail chain before he joined the Hamilton Standard Division of United Technologies Corporation in 1979. A recipient of NASA's Silver Snoopy Award, he was one of the few civilian physicians involved in the space program. He guided the design of waste treatment and reclamation systems. He also focused on applying medical technologies in the ergonomic study of suit design. He advised on the earliest Mars space suit. He traveled extensively in Russia and China evaluating their space programs and was one of the first to film the Mir prototype. He is also credited with the design of the EVA patch on the US space suit. Dr. Wiechetek's interests were renaissance. He loved opera and wrote a monograph on the Wagner family. He was trained in culinary arts. He was an active supporter of the arts in Manhattan and an avid art collector. His collection of space art was described as one of the finest in private hands. He was an expert on the Hindenberg Millionaire's Flight of 1936. A charitable foundation has been established in his name to showcase his collections throughout the world. He is survived by adopted son, Neil Barton and wife Karyn Smarz, Ph.D., longtime friend/trusted adviser James Osborne, and many other lifelong friends. A memorial service will be held on the one year anniversary of his passing.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Apr. 3, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for WALTER WIECHETEK

30 Entries

William Chaney

March 28, 2025

Wow, it has been 5 years now. I still think about our long talks and the time we spent talking about so many interesting topics while having the morning coffee in the office. You will always be missed. There is so mush to talk about these days and nobody like you to explore the details of the topic..

William Chaney

March 28, 2024

Hi again, "Doc", as I fondly called him for years, still lives on in my heart and in some of my best memories. I often think about how our world is right now and what is going on with our government and know how upset he would be with what has happened.
Perhaps he moved on just in time in that regard, but his insight and wisdom is missed by those who remain. He is looking down from above and smiling knowing that his friends miss him and he would help if he could, but that is no longer his job. We miss you Doc.........

Will Chaney

March 28, 2023

I think about Doc often and fondly remember the long conversations we had over morning coffee. He lives on in my best memories and will always be missed.

Mary Ann Wyllie

March 28, 2023

I was not fortunate to meet Walt but that doesn´t mean he was not a big part of my life. I live in Canada and many years ago I was doing research on my family. I had a Polish grandfather whom I knew nothing about as he and my grandmother divorced many years ago and he did not keep in touch with his family. My husband and I went to New York, to Ellis Island to see if there were other Skrzypczak´s that had immigrated to the States. That was over 25 years ago. I found a family and their daughter had submitted this information to Ellis Island. Ironically her name was Mary Ann, same as mine. When I returned home I wrote her a letter and it wasn´t long before I got a letter back from her son, Walter. His mother had passed away. He didn´t know a lot about his family in Poland but we became friends. We exchanged pictures and he told me that I was definitely a Skrzypczak. We also exchanged cards and letters at Christmas which I so looked forward to. He always signed his letters, "from Cousin Walt" and I, to him, was "cousin Mary Ann". Shortly before his death, he was planning a trip to Canada and after twenty-five years, I was so looking forward to finally meeting him. Unfortunately that never happened. You were a big part of my life "cousin Walt" and you will forever be in my heart.

Carl Hale

April 3, 2022

Listening to Doc's stories at coffee time was the best at work. Will Chaney was always mentioned and we were both regulars. Doc was generous and funny. I remember when Ebay first started and I would sell and buy items for his indian collection. He surprised our family sending guinea hens which became so rowdy that I was getting into trouble with them attacking neighbors. We had laughs over that for years. He and David Broderick were best of friends too and Doc was very saddened when Dave was in the crash of the B-17 at Bradley Airport. Doc started in 79 like I did and retired with me, we went out the door just days of each other. The company was in a rage as he knew. Just before his passing, Doc sent us two glass guinea hen's and I know he's looking down with a big smile seeing this picture. They rock like they are picking up ticks. Doc wrote and said Carl, I'm not well. It hurt so much to hear this. I miss him, it's been a year, God be with you Walt

Carl Hale

April 3, 2022

Doc, I listened to so many stories and like Will Chaney, was a regular for coffee. Doc was generous and funny. I remember when Ebay first started and I would sell and buy items for his indian collection. He surprised our family sending guinea hens which became so rowdy that I was getting in trouble. How we laughed over that for years.
Yes Doc was for the working man and he was also a watchful eye for the company. He and David Broderick were best of friends too and Doc was very saddened when he was in the crash of the B-17 at Bradley Airport. Doc retired with me, we went out the door days of each other. The company was in a rage.
Just before his passing, Doc sent us two glass guinea hen's and I know he's looking down with a big smile seeing this picture. They rock like they are picking up ticks. Gosh we laughed. He loved his trips abroad and was looking forward to so much when he called and said Carl, I'm not well. It hurt so much to hear this. I miss him, it's been a year, he was such a smart man. you'll be missed bud. Carl, Diane and Family

William Chaney

March 28, 2022

Thinking of Walt on this day and many other days. I will always miss his conversation and his perspective on issues. He would have hated where our country is now. God rest his soul.

Cindy Hodkevics

March 28, 2021

Doc, you said something to me on the day were first met that I’ve carried and remember fondly. I was picking up coffee cups that were on a conference table after a meeting. As I was picking the cups up, a voice (yours) from the corner of the room said, “You are not their mother, stop picking up those cups”. I had no clue who were at the time. Little did I know you become an important part of my career. To this day every time I pick up after someone, I hear your voice in my ear and I smile.

MARY Ann Wyllie

March 26, 2021

I was saddened to discover that Walt had passed away. I first came in contact with him about 23 years ago. I was doing genealogy research on my mother's family. She was a Skrzypczak. I had gone to Ellis Island and found information of his mother's family when they arrived in USA. Ironically, her name was Mary Ann and so is mine. Not knowing if we were related, we still exchanged Christmas cards with each other for over 20 years. About 3 years ago, I did not get a card from Walt, or cousin Walt as he fondly called himself. I was concerned, his death explains.

carol and peter BROWNSON

April 27, 2020

so sad to hear about Walt was sent to an old email and only just picked the news up.
we meet in Greece and became friends he visited us in UK and in Portugal but we never manged to get to USA so sad a good friend loss. Rest in peace our good friend.
Carol and Peter Brownson Portugal

Art WANDERLINGH

April 19, 2020

I met Walt when I joined Hamilton in 1980. Everybody called him "DOC". We hit it off right away because of our love and connections to the passionate peninsula (aka Italy). Virtually every Christmas season he joined us for a Christmas meal which my wife cooked - soup to nuts! He was an intriguing man with many interesting stories. Unlike most "execs" he was generous with his time and definitely not a snob. Last time my wife and I saw him was in 2015 in Jersey City for dinner at Battello's. He looked great, so we were totally surprised by his illness and death. I am sure he has been embraced by his parents in Heaven and has found everlasting peace. Rest in peace Walt!

April 12, 2020

I met Walter on the QE2 in Cape Town harbour with my brother-in-law Vernon Thompson from America. At the time I was trying to write poetry and Walter took an interest in one of the poems and set it to opera music. Walter was clearly interested in everybody and was willing to uplift others.

Jane Moors

April 11, 2020

We have fond memories of Walt taking Reinhard and I to a spectacular dinner at Buitenverwachting during his visit to Cape Town, and visiting the QE2 when he and Vernon docked at the Harbour here. Kai still has the autographed photo of John Glenn in his bedroom wall that Walt arranged for him, along with sending his name on a chip to Mars! Other fun gifts from Walt were a 'countdown baby clock' and an acre of Amazon rain forest! We didn't know him well but he showered us with kindness and generosity - I am sure many others experienced that side of him, too. He had a unique and well travelled life and I am sure will be missed by many.

John Mancuso

April 10, 2020

Rest in peace Walter, a man I considered a friend I remember going to Bayonne High School to do a Space Suit presentation and then traveling to Walter's home and seeing all of the space collectibles including one of his Russian suits. He was an extremely generous individual, he sponsored our then young Hamilton Standard Soccer Club. His love of sports was undeniable

Vernon Thompson

April 10, 2020

Walter has been a stalwart friend since 1997 when he advised me and my wife June of the joys of travelling to the Galapagos. After she died tragically in 1998, he and I traveled from Capetown to Lisbon on the QE2 in 2000. I introduced him to June's family in South Africa and he has been in touch with them ever since.
Later on, after I had met my present life-partner, Karen, Walter again provided a Cunard opportunity. He had purchased tickets for the maiden voyage of the Queen Victoria. Unfortunately he was booked to attend the launch of a rocket ship from the Marshall Islands into outer space on the same day. It contained his mother's ashes. She had requested that he spread them around the world. So he very kindly sold the Queen Victoria tickets to us.
Walter and I shared several interests including our love of travel, the theater and art. He was a complex person, very gifted and very generous.
He will be sorely missed.

Vanessa Wanderlingh

April 10, 2020

I'm so sorry to hear about Dr. Wick's passing. He was a friend of my father's at Hamilton. I remember when he would come to dinner at our house-I was young then and he left a big impression on me. He would always bring the most beautiful gifts for me and there was always interesting conversation. I still have the magical children's books, the unique bracelets from abroad, and a beautiful aquamarine stone he sent me for my wedding. I will continue to treasure these items.
Such a generous and unique man.
I pray he rests in peace and I wish all of his family and friends great comfort!

Alan Hall Ryan

April 10, 2020

Walter visited me twice on the most westerly inhabited island in Europe; Valentia Island, Co Kerry. We there after remained in touch; I was just amazed at his involvement in space research, "I think he gave me a mention on Mars too!" A Great and generous man. rest in Peace Walt.

Ted Kraft

April 9, 2020

I will always remember the many talks that we had over the years. The guidance that he provided me while I was in school back in the 70's and trying to find my direction in the medical field. The times that he provided a non biased ear and that ability to give just enough support and advice to allow me to make my own and better decision. A talent that to few have.
A great friend and brother, you will be missed but never forgotten!

Christopher Belleau

April 9, 2020

Walt! Im crushed! Thank you for all those dinners out when you came to Providence to support my creative efforts! Thank you for all those gifts sent to my daughter for her birthday. You were and will always be her uncle Walter! Christmas and Easter! Thank you for your wise council and kind words when my father died. Rest In Peace my friend. I will never forget you. ❤

Now breaks a noble heart -Shakespeare

Michael & Patty Naxton

April 9, 2020

We met Walt on the QE2 sailing back to the UK from Cape Town in 2000. We dined at the same table and struck up a firm friendship. He was terrific company and we sailed together again on the maiden Trans-Atlantic voyage of the QM2 in 2004 and had remained in regular contact since. Michael has spent his life in the Fine Art trade so he sourced a number of items of Space memorabilia for Walt here in the UK. Walt was a larger than life character and he will be very greatly missed.

Jack Braddock

April 9, 2020

I enjoyed the numerous conversations we had about a wide range of subjects, both technical as well as personal. I had the opportunity to take the child size space suit to my son's elementary school, Cub Scout Pack and later middle school and Walt lent me some of his space paraphernalia for the kids to be able to touch. Their eyes lit up being able to touch a glove that went into space. He also gave me a better understanding of the function of the suit so that I could answer the numerous question. He was a true renaissance man. He made the world a better place just be being himself. I will miss him.
Jim- Sorry for your loss as I know that you were a close friend

Pete Carrigan

April 9, 2020

Walter was a dear friend. He & his friend never missed stopping when they came to PA at our store. He always brought treats. My wife Jeanette always look forward to their visits.Even after her Alzheimer's they came and visited with her. I am sure they are visiting now in the after life. Walter was a true gentleman. The world will miss him.

Blair Gaudreau

April 9, 2020

A friend and confidant, you will be missed by many who you helped

Cindy Faienza-Hodkevics

April 9, 2020

So many talks we've had over the years Doc. Political puns we shared, words of advice and many car rides. May you rest in peace my friend. I know you wanted to leave your mark on the world and you have.

Jim, so sorry in the loss of your friend. I hope you find peace in knowing he is without pain and at rest.

April 9, 2020

This is very bad news, I'm very sorry to hear it - thank you for letting us know, we will be there for the memorial service. Walt was a good friend of many years, and well rounded aeronautical historian! I remember him sending my better half tons of DVD's for distraction, while the latter was undergoing chemo - a very considerate gesture, and much appreciated. We will miss you, Walt.

JOHN GAIR

April 9, 2020

I never met Walter but we had lovely emails together both with our love of Airships and Zeppelins. These are sad times which hopefully will turn a corner soon. I really appreciate you letting me know. I shall remember him with great kindness. He was a real gentleman.

Laura Marsella

April 9, 2020

Im so sorry for your loss.

Kendrick Merdani

April 9, 2020

Dear James,
I'm so sadden to hear about your great loss of your dear friend Walter.
My deepest condolences go out to you and his family.
I have very fond memories of you both when you came to dine at the restaurant before heading over to Lincoln Center.
With deepest respect,
Kendrick
(Fka Alban)

April 4, 2020

Walt was my friend and neighbor he helped me through some tough times. He was awsome at listening and giving just enough advice, he will be missed,thank you Walt.

Bob Driscoll

April 4, 2020

Doc was a good friend and I will always remember the early morning coffee with him and the work related conversations at HS. He was a sounding board for ideas and a great listener. We are all saddened by his passing but know he is resting peacefully now.

Will Chaney

Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results