CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Paul Wicker

Everybody knew that his family came first.  If you were having trouble with your family, Paul would welcome you into his: his daughters’ friends always knew they had a 2^nd home.  Of course, with so many kids in the house he had to play bouncer from time to time: “You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”  And he was the greatest granddad:  Silly as the kids.  He was constantly rocking funny sunglasses with them, always was sticking his tongue out and even let the girls paint his nails.   He knew how to have fun, even shopping trips were a joy.  And he joked that he was the real-life Homer Simpson, working at the Salem Nuclear Plant, eating pink doughnuts.  His musical tastes were all over the map, but he really loved Motown, modern rock and the blues. The best decision he ever made was booking a trip to Buffalo to see Bob Seger.  He’d make his way back to the Philly area a few times a year.  Getting off the plane he’d greet you warmly but want to continue the conversation at the closest Wawa.  Couple of Tasty Cakes, Wawa Iced tea and a hoagie and he was good to go.   

Paul did his fair share of traveling.  He didn’t mind looking like a tourist, usually two cameras around his neck.  He enjoyed the historic sights and architecture but also fit in a little adventure along the way: everything from zip lines to white water rafting.  And he had a lifelong love of Seaside Heights.  As a teenager he’d take a series of busses and trains to get down there and had a great nostalgia for it during his adult life.  Recent years found him working as a mechanical technician for Technicolor. 

He’d meet a girl named Kimberly; 17 years together, 12 years of marriage.  The perfect couple even though he stood at 6 foot four and she is well under 5 feet.   He is survived by his children: Rebecca Lamb, Kelly Negron (Raul) and Lee Cooley (Kelly); grandchildren, Kada LeRoy (Adam), Tyler McKinney, Rabecca Negron, Tristan Cooley, Pacey Lamb, Connor Negron and Bryce Cooley; his brother, Frank Wicker (Tammy) and his mother, Alfreda Wicker.

Come celebrate 64 great years Sunday, December 15, 2019, 3-5 p.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home Riverside where there will be a celebration service at 5. Donations in lieu of flowers to the Burlington County Animal Alliance (bcaaofnj.org) will be appreciated.