Werner J. Wilsch, 86, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024, at home surrounded by his devoted family. He was born in Syracuse, NY on April 10, 1938 to the late Werner and Margaret Wilsch. A proud Veteran, he served his country in the Korean War. He retired after 41 years as a lineman from Niagara Mohawk in 1998, a job he loved. An avid baseball player, bowler, hockey dad, and fierce card shark, Werner found friends wherever he went. He loved to travel and spent many summers with family in the Poconos and Cape May. His second homes were Swallows and Pastime Athletic Club; you could always find him wherever the laughter was loudest.  At any gathering you would see him holding court, directing the party, and bringing good times to all.

Werner is predeceased by his brother, Robert Wilsch. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Norine (Doner) Wilsch and his children, Dr. Mary (Marianne) Wilsch, Kathleen (Joe) Tarolli, Ann (Mark) Kolinski, Michael (Judy), William (Jennifer), Edward (Patricia), and Thomas (Erin). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Daniel (Brittany), Katie, Douglas, Erika, Alex, Margaret, Mairead, Robert, Emma, and Julia as well as his great grandchildren, Charlotte, Kaiya, Sutton, and Ava.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 19 at 8 am at St. Patrick's Church, 216 North Lowell Avenue, Syracuse.  Burial will follow at Veteran's Cemetery on Howlett Hill Road. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 18 from 4-7 pm at St. Patrick's Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Patrick's Food Pantry, 216 North Lowell Ave, Syracuse NY 13204 and Hospice Foundation of Central New York, 990 7th North Street, Liverpool NY 13088.