Saratoga – Robert E. Wickizer "Wick" 83, died Tuesday, October 24th peacefully at his residence, in the loving care of his family. Born June 6, 1934, in Sayre, Pa., Robert was the treasured child of Mary Louise Seck and Edward Sherman Wickizer. He married Joyce A. Tamkins on April 15, 1961 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Vestal, NY.

Bob grew up in Endicott, NY. He and his family moved to Vestal in 1948. In high school, Bob played baseball, basketball and football. After his coach saw the size of his hands, he was recruited from playing the clarinet in the band to being the quarterback on the football team. He received a football scholarship to Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. He also earned the distinction of "best dancer" in high school, which made him a sought after partner at any family gathering or social occasion.

Robert graduated from Moravian with a BS in Business Administration (1956) and completed an MBA at New York University in 1966. He worked for IBM his entire career, holding accounting management positions in Burlington, VT, White Plains, Fishkill, and Armonk, NY. He retired in 1988 and had a long enjoyable retirement that included travel, fishing, golf and handicapping horse racing.

In spite of an extended illness with motor neuron disease, Bob always maintained his good nature & love of life. He treasured his family, as well as the lifelong friends he made in high school, college and IBM. He will be missed for his sense of humor and his genuine loving kindness.

Robert is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce; son Alan Wickizer (Megan Freedman) of Chappaqua, NY; daughter Lauren Wickizer (Francesco D'Amico) of Ballston Spa, NY; and daughter Linda Wickizer of Ballston Spa, NY. He was the beloved "Grandpa Wick" to Craig and Cheryl Wickizer and Christopher Guerriero. Also surviving him are brother-in-laws Paul Tamkins and Jerry Tamkins (Beatrice Gill); Tamkins nieces & nephews, as well as several Wickizer/Seck cousins.

The family would like to thank Trish O'Keefe, Dr. Roberta Miller and the staff of the ALS Center in Albany. Their compassionate care made his quality of life immeasurably better. Kelli Foley and Jim Parnapy of Saratoga Hospice guided him through his final months of life with support and kindness.

Memorial donations in Bob's name may be made the ALS Center, 19 Warehouse Rd., Albany, NY 12205 or Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Relatives and friends may call from 10am to 11am Monday, Oct. 30, 2017 at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. A funeral liturgy service will be celebrated at 11am by the Rev. Thomas H. Chevalier, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Peters Cemetery on West Avenue.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).