Albert ‘Al’ Wickham
ATLANTA, Ga. — Albert “Al” Wickham, age 83, died after a sudden catastrophic illness on April 6, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was surrounded by his wife, Rita (Semo), children – Nicole Wickham, Christine Gear, Andrew Wickham, and Bert Wickham – and two granddaughters – Kailey (Gear) Pressly and Emma Gear. We are grateful to all the kind, compassionate and competent care givers, and other staff members at Grady Memorial Stroke and Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, and for all the messages of concern and memories of Al during this difficult, sad time.
Al was born In Houghton Lake, Michigan on May 4, 1940. He inherited his life-long dry wit and stubborn personality from his mother. She waited until she was too close to giving birth to go to the hospital, which forced her adamantly opposed physician grandfather to deliver him at home. He graduated from Rapid River High School (classmates will remember him as Rapid Rocky), completed two years at Northern Michigan College, and then joined the U.S. Air Force. Although he’d hope to see more exotic places, was stationed 200 miles from home in Ironwood, Michigan. He met and married Rita there. Al worked as an air traffic controller in Aurora, Illinois until 1981 and later as a building manager in Chicago. After he and Rita retired, they moved to their current home in Rapid River.
Al was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Dora Wickham, and his sisters Nancy Carissimi and Martha Bozzo. He is survived by his sister Mary (Wickham) Verdon and brother William “Bill” Wickham. In addition to his wife and adult children, he is mourned by 11 grandchildren (Samantha, Kailey, Lily, Emma, Hannah, Alyson, Keifer, Ben, Olivia, Chloe, and CC) and three great-grandchildren (Landon, Liam and Charlotte). We are blessed by our extended family and many wonderful friends who continue to share their wonderful memories of Al and offer support for us.
A recently found quote reflects Al’s life philosophy: You are alive as long as someone remembers you. Two memorials (and yes, Mary, there will be snacks) are planned. Please join us at one or both events to remember and celebrate Al with stories about his ability to deliver perfect one-liners, his unique sense of humor, or to remember his loyalty and consistent friendship. The first event is planned for the afternoon of April 19, will be held at Batavia, Illinois. The second will be in Rapid River, Michigan about two weeks later. Details to follow. In the spirit of Al’s sense of style (ahem), these are very comfortable events. Please wear your favorite casual tee shirt, flannel, sweatshirt, or other casual shirt and pants or jeans. If you wore those pants yesterday, all the better.
Donation in Al’s name can be made to any of our favorite charities such as World Central Kitchen, DonorsChoose, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Americares, or to another charity of your choice. Please visit https://everloved.com/life-of/albert-wickham/ for further information about the celebrations, his obituary, and to post any photos, memories and messages.