Petoskey, Mich. — Harold “Hal” Arthur Wickham, 77 of Petoskey, Michigan, died peacefully on September 7, 2023 surrounded by family after an unexpected complication to his chronic illness. He joins his beloved sister Priscilla and parents Marceille (nee Pierce) and Harold Wickham in heaven.
Hal was born August 18, 1946 in Pittsburgh, PA, where his love for the Pittsburgh Steelers was formed. He grew up in Bowling Green, Ohio with his parents and sister Priscilla. He enjoyed growing up close to family and many friends. He met his first (and last) love Linda in the seventh grade at DuChane’s School of dance where they were always partners. He graduated from BGHS in 1964 and went on to serve in Vietnam with the US Navy Seabees. When he returned he worked with his father in his scaffolding business. He then attended Penn State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1979 shortly after his daughter was born. Don’t worry she slept through the night so he could celebrate. After moving to Amherst, Ohio he enjoyed a long career at the Lorain County Joint Vocational School where he taught Carpentry. Some of his fondest memories were with his JVS crew. After retirement, he and Linda enjoyed traveling the United States and abroad. His goal was to stick his toes in as many bodies of water as possible. He made it to the Pacific, Atlantic, Mediterranean, South China Sea, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and so many more. His favorite activities included cooking for his family, watching movies (with extra buttered Popcorn), traveling, and watching Steelers football.
He is survived by his wife and dance partner Linda Broderick, daughter Sarah (Christie) Stocks, bonus children Bryne Broderick, Paddy (Mandy) Broderick, Ellen (Curtis) Parsons, Jack (Sarah) Broderick, Claire Broderick, grandchildren Lane and Logan Stocks, Jake, Elise and Nathan Broderick, and Brodie Orfali. He is also survived by his cherished nieces and nephew Kim (Randall) Clements, Lisa Buchman Hill, Tony (Danelle) Buchman and great-nieces and nephews Chris Mamone, Hunter, Taylor, Hannah and Parker Clements, Justin Hill, and Eliza and Avery Buchman. He is also survived by countless friends and extended family who loved him dearly.
There will not be a formal memorial service, but, please enjoy a movie (with popcorn), a Steelers’ game, or meal reminiscing about the times you spent with Hal.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude’s Hospital in his name.
