Mr. Richard Y. Wisenbaker

Richard Y. Wisenbaker of Dalton, MA, died Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at Berkshire Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born in Napa, CA on December 28, 1937, the son of Mary Helen (Dunham) Wisenbaker and Peyton Harry Wisenbaker, Jr. He grew up on a farm near Jennings, FL. Dick graduated from Jennings High School in 1955. He joined the US Navy and entered the Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. Upon graduation in June 1959, he was awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and commissioned in the Civil Engineer Corps, US Navy. During his 22 years as an officer in the Navy, Dick served with the Naval Construction Forces (Seabees), several naval bases and three major staffs. His assignments included two tours in the Republic of Viet Nam, one providing engineering support to the U.S. Army Special Forces, and the other with the Officer in Charge of Construction. He holds a number of medals and ribbons, including the Bronze Star with Combat V, the Combat Action Ribbon and two Meritorious Service Medals. Upon completion of his naval service in 1981, Dick embarked on a second career in the engineering and construction of major industrial facilities, including the completion of the Los Angeles County Court House. Dick met Erika Schmalz of Reppenstedt, Germany in the fall of 1965 in Washington D.C. They were married in St. Andrews Chapel at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD in May, 1966. Dick’s work, both in the Navy and in engineering, took him and his family to many parts of the world. He was fond of saying that of all the places he had lived or visited, none could compare with the beauty of the Berkshires. Upon his retirement, he and his wife, Erika, returned to New England and settled in Dalton, MA. Dick leaves behind his loving wife Erika. He is survived by his three daughters, Heidi Wisenbaker of Dalton, MA; Christine McGrath and her husband, Jim, and their children Ian and Kyle of Pittsfield, MA; and Karin Patrick and her husband, Kevin, of Ventura, CA. Dick is also survived by brothers Tom Wisenbaker of Grandy, North Carolina; Peyton Wisenbaker of Jennings, FL; and sisters Joann Chase of Clayton, GA and Harriet Eager of Marietta, Georgia. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Service on Saturday, August 6, at 11 am at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 74 First St., Pittsfield MA. If desired, donations in memory of Richard Y. Wisenbaker may be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Sunday School and Youth Programs, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield MA 01201.

Mr. Richard Y. Wisenbaker

December 28, 1937 - August 2, 2011