SALEM - Philip P. “Phil” Pickett 92 years, devoted husband of Catherine J. “Kay” (Pszenny) Pickett, died Saturday February 19, 2005, at his home in Salem following a lengthy illness.
Born in Beverly September 12, 1912, son of the late E. Wallace and Julia (Teeling) Pickett, he was raised and educated in Salem and was a lifelong resident of the city.
Mr. Pickett was a U.S. Army Veteran of WW II. He was a member of Company C., 254th Battalion, 63rd Infantry Division, served in the European Theater, landing in France and crossing into Germany. He was in the Battle of the Bulge and also served in the Army of Occupation.
Prior to his retirement in 1972, he was employed as a milkman, first as a route salesman and later as a route foreman, first for A. L. Bodge, formerly of Peabody, then for 25 years with Putnam Brothers Milk, of Peabody then for Whiting Milk Co. of Marblehead. He also worked for a brief time for the City of Salem. In his retirement years, he was employed as a cook for 3 years with Catholic Charities in Salem.
He was a member of Fraternity Lodge 118 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Salem. Mr. Pickett was an ardent advocate for veterans and was the first non-Polish Commander elected to the Polish Legion of American Veterans, Post #55, Salem, a position he held for five terms. He served as Zone 1 Commander, State Commander for 1972 to 1973, and Senior Vice Commander on the national level. He served one term as Commander of the Salem Veterans Council and also was a member of the VFW Witch City Post 1524 in Salem.His other loves were gardening and his back yard.
Besides his wife, with whom he shared 72 years of marriage, he is survived by 2 sons John Pickett of Salem, Peter Pickett and Muriel Snow of Beverly; 3 daughters and a son-in-law, Mary Janard, Elizabeth and Thomas McKinnon all of Salem and Felicity “Phyllis” Latewiec of Rowe MA; 4 brothers and 2 sisters-in-law, Wallis and Jessie Pickett of Johnstown NY, Arthur Pickett of Gulfport FL, Charles Pickett of Middleton and Thomas and Thelma Pickett of Weymouth; 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 2 sons Eugene and Francis Pickett, 2 sisters Eleanor and Nancy Pickett and a brother William Pickett.
His funeral will be held Wednesday at 9 a.m. from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Sq. East, by Salem Common, Salem followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. James Church, Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours Tuesday 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. For guest book and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.