Richard E "Dickie" Wickham

Richard "Dickie" E. Wickham, 89, of Polk City, Florida, peacefully passed away following a short stay at the Bethany Hospice House in Lakeland, Florida on May 1, 2024. He was born on July 7, 1934, in Schenectady, New York. He and his brave bride, Marie, moved their 5 children to St. Cloud, Florida in 1969. Dickie was a beloved man known for his funny personality, trusted friendship, generous heart, and commitment to serving his family, church, and country. In his senior years, he enjoyed group gatherings playing bingo and cards at Grace Manor Suites in Lakeland, Florida. He is survived by his daughters, Rita Marie Talbo and Alicia Margaret Wickham, and his sons, Terry James Wickham, Arnold James Wickham, and the late Leslie Allen Wickham. Dickie is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is remembered by his brothers, Harold Dean Wickham and Robert Wickham. And, we must mention his dear Cousin Rita Piscitelli of Schenectady NY who was like a sister to him. Dickie was preceded in death by his father, Arnold James Wickham, his mother, Rita Gallagher, his wife, Marie Joyce DuPont Wickham, his brother Arnold James Wickham, his grandfather John P Gallagher, his grandmother Amelia Corn and son, Leslie Allen Wickham. Dickie served in the Army National Guards of New York after an honerable discharge. Richard's passion was his hobby building small radio control airplanes, restoring antique cars, and flying his single engine Sesna. As a successful engineer at WDW for 25 years he was able to retire and live the "American Dream" with sweet Marie as they enjoyed their beachfront condominium. He graduated from Draper High School, Schenectady, NY andp Hudsonville Community College, and RPI College in Hudson, NY, where he earned a technical degree. Dickie worshipped at Cornerstone Church in St. Cloud, Florida, and served as cook and kitchen leader. You can always count on him and Marie to prepare a delicious smorgasbord meal at Christmas with family and friends. A memorial service to celebrate Dickie's life will be held at Osceola Memory Gardens, 1717 Old Boggy Creek Road, Kissimmee, Florida, at the White Gazebo on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 11 am. Meet us at the White Gazebo.

Richard E "Dickie" Wickham

July 7, 1934 - May 1, 2024