Michael William Wishousky

Mike was born in South Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, on October 22, 1936, to the late Theodore I. Wishousky and Sophie Wishousky (nee Kovalchick). He graduated from Tamaqua High School in 1954, and played accordion, clarinet, and saxophone in the school band. Mike loved music and continued with his musical pursuits throughout his adult life.

In 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He attended the Navy School of Music in Bainbridge, Maryland; and he played the clarinet in the Navy band. Mike was honorably discharged as a Musician Petty Officer 2nd Class in 1957. After the Navy, Mike attended the San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. He later attended Arizona State University and received a Masters of Business Administration degree and a Masters of Science degree in Engineering.

He married Lydia Valencia in San Diego, California, and relocated to Phoenix in January 1962. He worked for Nuclear Corporation of America, Kaiser Aircraft Company, and enjoyed a long career with Motorola, Inc. before he retired.

Upon retirement, Mike moved to Mesa, Arizona. He devoted much of his retirement hours to playing Bridge and eventually achieved Grand Master status. He also enjoyed fishing with friends, and reading nonfiction books, especially those covering history, politics, and religion. Mike also volunteered his time and expertise to several area non-profit organizations, receiving many certificates of recognition for his dedication to their causes. He frequently traveled around the country to visit family and friends, sharing vacations and many important family events. Mike enjoyed good food and wine. He had an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor.

Mike loved his family and throughout the years he participated in many family life events with his stepgrandchildren and his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brother Leonid I. Wishousky and wife Linda of Abilene, Texas; brother Theodore I. Wishousky and wife Maureen of Fort Pierce, Florida; step-brother Nicholas Zozula of Peoria, Arizona; stepbrother Michael Zozula of Warminster Pennsylvania; step-sister Marian Gratson of Clinton Township, Michigan; step-sister Arline Passarello and her husband Jack of Anaheim, California; step-daughters Dorie Tatimer of Glendale, Arizona; step-daughter Linda Tataseo and her husband Victor of Seattle, Washington. Mike is also survived by niece Jennifer Baker and her husband United States Air Force Lt. Col. Steve Baker of Kathleen, Georgia; and niece Penelope Wishousky, her husband Robert, and her son Nathan Wishousky-Smith of Phoenix.

Mike was interred with U.S. Navy honors on July 21, 2022, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona under the direction of Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Home of Mesa.

Memorial donations can be made to Sunshine Acres Children's Home, 3405 N. Higley Rd., Mesa, AZ. 85215.