NORWICH – Henry R. Wightman, 93, a well-known mechanic and life-long Norwich resident, passed away late Wednesday night (July 2, 2008) in the A. O. Fox Hospital of Oneonta, following a brief illness.
Born late in December of 1914, the son of William and Lydia (Thierry) Wightman, Henry grew up in Norwich and attended the local schools. At the tender age of 10, in the garage on Plymouth Street where he would continue to repair cars over the years, he began working on automobiles. Henry was a born mechanic who liked to tinker and could, using his common sense, fix just about anything. For a short time after leaving school, he worked as a sewing machine mechanic for Norwich Mills and did car repair on the side. The Buick was his personal preference in cars, and he owned many nice cars over the years. In 1942, Henry opened Wightman’s Garage on Division Street, later moving the business to his new building on Birdsall Street. Also in 1942, he joined the George Rider Hook and Ladder Company of the Norwich Fire Dept., serving at one time as Captain of the group, and became actively involved in Civil Defense matters for the City of Norwich. An avid bowler, Henry bowled with the team sponsored by his garage. In 1961, he relocated the garage to the Polkville area where he sold gas, did auto repairs, and added a body shop. He enjoyed working on antique automobiles. Henry continued to tinker up to the present day, though he didn’t have the computerized diagnostic equipment necessary for some of the new cars and would still do his own car’s oil changes.
Henry and his wife, Elizabeth Weeden Wightman, were married in Sidney on September 1, 1934. Elizabeth predeceased him on June 5, 2007. Henry is survived by his children and their spouses: Geraldine Haynes and fiance John F. Bargher of Guilford, Carol E. Wightman of Norwich and Robert and Karen Wightman of Norwich; by his grandchildren and their spouses: Kenneth L. and Jennifer Haynes, Dennis J. and Bonnie Haynes, Brett L. Wightman, Brenda and Steve Schabel, Alison and Calvin Locke, and Sarah L. Wightman along with many great and great-great grandchildren.
Friends called at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Saturday (July 5) from 2 - 4 p.m. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of Henry’s family. Interment will be in the Godfrey Cemetery of Guilford.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Norwich Fire Department, 31 East Main St., Norwich, NY 13815.