George T. Wichelns

Wichelns, George T. MECHANICVILLE George T. Wichelns, 82, of So. Main St., died Monday, March 10, 2008 at Ellis Hospital, Schenectady after a brief illness. Born in Farming-dale, L.I., after high school, George enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, served in the Pacific Theater and received the Purple Heart for combat wounds while fighting in Okinawa. An insurance salesman for most of his life, George worked for Bankers Life and Casualty of Glens Falls for many years and, after retirement, worked for the NY State Boat Launch on Saratoga Lake for a number of years. He also worked for the B&M Railroad in Mechanicville for five years and had operated his own reupholster business. A former golf caddy in his youth, George loved all kinds of animals, but his favorite thing in life was the enjoyment of his children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Jayne Gilheany Wichelns; his daughter, Lynn Wichelns Thompson; brothers, Jack, James, Robert and Albert and sister, Ruth McCoullogh. Survivors include his daughter, Bea Timpanaro of Mechanicville and sons, George T. (Liz) Wichelns Jr. of San Diego, Joseph (Sharon) Wichelns of Stillwater, Larry (June) Wichelns of Rexford and Chuck (Lisa) Wichelns of Stillwater; along with his cherished grandkids, Dawn, Dan, Meredith, Rachel, Rebecca and James Wichelns, Michael and Stefanie Thompson, Blaise and Michael Timpanaro, Ryan, Casey, Brendan and Carter Wichelns. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 9:30 a.m. at the Assumption-St. Paul North Main Street Church, Mechanicville. Burial with military honors in the Saratoga National Cemetery. Calling hours at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to either the John Ahearn Rescue Squad or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.