Fritz Wickert Jr.

Slingerlands, NY-On November 29, 2022 Fritz Wickert Jr. traveled peacefully home to God surrounded by his loving family. Fritz lived a life of true self-sacrifice and was completely devoted to his loved ones. He was the most caring son, husband, father, Opa, brother, and uncle that anyone could dream of. Fritz was born in war torn Yugoslavia. At the age of two his family was forced to flee his hometown and move to Germany where he spent his early years growing up in a refugee camp. When Fritz was 14 years old, his family made the brave decision to leave the life they knew and loved to immigrate to the United States, in hope of a safer and more productive future for their family and generations to come. From farming in Nebraska, to learning English while in high school in Brooklyn, his family traveled throughout the US until they ultimately fulfilled their “American Dream” of settling and working the picturesque farm they discovered in Roxbury, NY. Fritz’s next adventure was Culinary School after which he spent fond years working together with his twin brother, Philipp, at the Lake Mohonk Resort. He then went on to study electronics at HVCC and ultimately completed his bachelor’s degree at Arizona State University. Eventually, Fritz returned home to be near his family and settled in Albany, NY where he tirelessly worked for over 30 years at the NY Telephone Company. In Albany, Fritz began the second chapter of his life when he met his beloved wife, Donna. He and Donna were married in 1979 and spent the following 43 years living a life of love and devotion to each other and to their three children. Together with Donna, Fritz was always present and involved in all aspects of his children’s and grandchildren’s lives. He provided the best childhood any kid could dream of and worked to instill his values of integrity and kindness in everything he did. During Fritz’ final years he suffered the tragic loss of his beloved twin brother, his father, and finally his dear sister. He powered through countless health setbacks, never uttering a single complaint. With Donna supporting him every step of the way, he endured so that he could be there for those he loved. Fritz leaves behind his beloved wife Donna Wickert (Nord) and his three children Dr. Kerry Michele Wickert, Mrs. Kimberly Donato, and Mr. Michael Wickert. He gained a loving son-in-law along the way, Mr. Marc Donato. His grandchildren Hudson, Sawyer, and Susanna were his constant sources of sunshine and will miss him dearly. His family in Germany including Jakob Gerhardt, Brigitte Kneissler, Ralf Gerhardt, Bernd Gerhardt and their families have been his joy. His nephews Phillipp Wickert Jr. and Jakob Wickert are his eternal connection to his twin. Fritz was predeceased by his loving grandparents, his parents Fritz Wickert Sr. and Susanna Wickert, his twin Philipp Wickert who shared his soul, his dearest sister Reinlinde Gerhardt (Wickert), and by his nephew Fritzie Wickert, along with his pup Oliver. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Fritz’s family Friday, December 2, 2022 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206 Funeral services Saturday at 11:00 am at All Saints Catholic Church, Albany, NY where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held at Roxbury Cemetery, Roxbury, NY immediately following the Funeral Mass. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Fritz can be made to The Community Hospice of Albany.

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Fritz Wickert Jr.

March 30, 1942 - November 29, 2022