Obituary of Raymond Wichowski

Raymond "Uncle Ray" Wichowskiof Endicott Raymond Wichowski, of Endicott, N.Y., entered peacefully into eternal rest on March 20, 2008 surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He is predeceased by his wife, Virginia Warren Wichowski; his parents, Adam and Viktoria Wichowski; brothers, Adam, Edward, Zigmond Wichowski; and sisters, Leona Mazer, Stasia Banish, Marcella Gazda, and Helen Bonus; and nephews, Michael Wichowski and Gregory Banish. He is survived by his stepson, David Warren and stepgrandson, Carl, both of Memphis, N.Y.; his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Olga Wichowski, their children, Robert and Ann Carol, Somerville, N.J.; his nephews, John Wichowski and wife, Karen, their children, Michael and Kristen, Dennis and Karen Gazda, Thomas and Carol Gazda, daughter, Cindi and husband, Jaime, Anthony Wichowski and wife, Maria, children, Edward and Damaree, John Bonus and wife, Dorothy, children, Victoria and Nicole; nieces, Dorothy and husband, Anthony Rego, children Victoria and James, Nancy Mickelburgh and children, Erika Bowles, husband, Tony, baby Abbie and niece, Tara, Linda Wichowski, daughter, Heather, husband, Jeremiah, and son, Ashlin. Raymond was also survived by many grandnieces, grandnephews and great-grandnieces and nephews. Ray was known and loved by not only his family but a multitude of devoted friends and special neighbors, Debbie and Joe Gallo. The Gallo grandchildren affectionately called him Mr. Ray or Sir Ray! These titles were just perfect for such a gentle and kind man. He proudly served during World War II in the Pacific Theater as a flight chief for the 440th Bombardment Squadron, 319th Bombardment Group. Prior to his military service, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in central Pennsylvania. For many years Ray was part owner of the Endicott Furniture Mart. Not only was he an avid Yankee and Giant fan, he also never missed his stepson's youth hockey games or his nieces' and nephews' baseball and softball games. He was a member of the Susquenango Woodcarvers' Guild. He was also a devoted member of St. Ambrose Parish. The family would like to thank the staff of North Tower 4, Wilson Hospital and the Transitional Care Unit at Binghamton General Hospital for their comforting support and compassion for our Uncle Ray. A very special thank you to Dr. Carolyn Crispell and Dr. Ronald Harris for their dedication and compassion extended to Uncle Ray and the family. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. from the Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home, Inc., 300 East Main Street, Endicott, and 9:30 a.m. at St. Ambrose Church, where a Funeral Mass will be offered. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to St. Ambrose Church, 203 Washington Avenue, Endicott, New York 13760.