Albert Carl Wickel, 85, of Vero Beach, passed away Thursday, January 24, 2013 at his home. Mr. Wickel was born February 6, 1927 in New York City, NY. He had been a resident of Vero Beach since 1986, moving from Stony Brook, Long Island, NY. He served in the United States Navy during WWII. Prior to his retirement he worked as a Professional Flight Engineer for Pan American Airways for 37 years. During that time he was the owner and operator of Port Jefferson Marine in Long Island, NY. He held his captains license, was a sailing instructor, and was a real estate broker. He was of the Catholic faith, and attended Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach. Albert was a member of the Serra Club, Stony Brook Yacht Club in New York, the U.S. Power Squadron, and a leader in the Boy Scouts of America. He is survived by his sons, Col. Albert S. Wickel USAF (Ret), Cdr. John W. Wickel USNR (Ret), William C. Wickel, Paul R. Wickel, James A. Wickel, Karl S. Wickel, Matthew S. Wickel;
sisters, Wally Wickel, Margaret Wickel-Kunz, Bertha Niebuhr, Marianne Wickel-Schloss; and 21 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Margaret Anne (Simpson) Wickel, formerly of Lakeview, OR ; and his brother William Wickel. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 28, 2013 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach. Burial will follow at John's Island Cemetery in Indian River Shores. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church at 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32963. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida. Condolences may be sent through http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.