NORWICH – Earl R. Wightman, 93, long-time Norwich resident, passed away Friday, April 15, 2011, at the home of his granddaughter in Durhamville.
Earl was born in New Berlin in January of 1918, the son of Maurice and Edith Backus Wightman. He grew up in South New Berlin, where he attended school, graduating with the Class of 1931. A quiet, low-key man who was good with automobiles, Earl worked in his early years for Larry Darling’s service station, leaving after 10 years, and was employed for a time by Paglia Corbacia as a mechanic. He will be best remembered for his 20 years as the owner/operator of his own business, Earl’s American, south of Norwich. Following his marriage to Susie Lamphere on Jan. 24, 1944, in Windsor, the Wightmans made their home in Norwich for most of their remaining years.
Earl is survived by his wife, Susie Wightman of Durhamville; his granddaughter, Angie Pittsley and husband Jason of Durhamville; and his grandchildren: Jasmine, Aidan, Jennifer, Sebastien and John. Also surviving are two nephews and one niece. Earl was predeceased by his daughter, Sharon Rowlison, and sister, Irene Boyce.
There will be no formal funeral services. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will be in the Riverside Cemetery of South New Berlin.