Alan Jerome Wioskowski

Alan J. Wioskowski passed away peacefully on the 15th of May 2019, at Health Park Medical Center in Fort Myers, Florida after an extended illness. Alan was born on March 15, 1942 in Detroit Michigan, the son of Aloysius and Julia Wioskowski (both deceased) of Detroit Michigan. A student of Detroit public schools throughout his early years; he subsequently attended Osborn High School where he was 1st Chair Violinist in the school orchestra. Upon graduation, he then enrolled within college at Wayne State University where Music and Ensemble Voice were his major areas of concentrations. After establishing his initial, independent career with his vocal musical skills, he entered into military service and served in the US Army. His active duty included Vietnam service from October 1966 to October 1968, upon which he received an Honorable Discharge. He is the recipient of the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Highlights of Alan’s career after military service include Purchasing support service for the Lahey Clinic in both Boston and Burlington, Massachusetts, followed by service as Director of Purchasing for the Miriam Hospital in Providence, RI; a position from which he subsequently retired and moved to northern New York (DeKalb Junction and Potsdam). In New York, Alan ‘un-retired’ and assumed the position of Weekend Announcer, Web Manager and Comptroller for North Country Public Radio. In addition, Alan served as a Board Member of The Orchestra of Northern New York and Web Manager, prior to making the decision to ‘retire’ again and to establish full time residence in Florida, settling in Fort Myers. Throughout the years, Alan continued to enjoy singing in various size groups with varying styles: church choirs, men’s glee club, the Peter Palmer Voices & Orchestra (Chicago, Il), the Alan Jaye Singers, the Kenneth Jewel Chorale (MI), the Saint Lawrence University Community Chorus, the Saint Lawrence University Early Music Singers and the Potsdam Community Chorus (affiliated with the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam). With his extensive experience in public and professional associations throughout his career in both work and music, he was pleased to have the opportunity to utilize his experience to help establish and ensure the long-term existence of an incredible and talented group of singing individuals in the Fort Myers area. Thus, Alan served as the Founding President of the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida and successfully laid the groundwork for its future growth and development; while concurrently achieving fiscal solvency as a not for profit cultural arts entity serving southwest Florida. Many in Fort Myers will remember the Chorale’s first independent season of performances that incorporated the Chorale’s production of ‘Messiah at the Mann’ on December 16, 2011, accompanied by the Southwest Florida Symphony with guest soloists. The evening was extraordinary, for it was a testament to the determination, commitment, talent and passion of so many. In addition, Alan sang as a member of the Chorale, a role he continued to fulfill until 2019. As a long-term promoter and community activist dedicated to the enhancement of and the integration of the Performing Arts within the matrix of community development, Alan firmly believed that a co-function of any leadership position within the Arts must include the ability to inspire, while also being visionary. Modeling was his byword while concurrently nurturing the collective team as an operational entity. This, he consistently strove to achieve. Alan is survived by his husband, John W. Marson of Fort Myers, Florida. He was preceded in death by his brother Jerome Wioskowski (Carol) of Oxford, Michigan. Surviving siblings include Judith Anne Jorgensen (David) of Chelsea, Michigan; Jon Wioskowski (Joan) of Venice, Florida; Anne Farnsworth (Ted, deceased) of Alanson, Michigan and many beloved nieces, nephews and greats. Cremation with internment of ashes within a VA National Cemetery in New York state are planned in accordance with Alan’s wishes. A Celebration of Life is also being planned and will be announced at a later date. For those who wish to make a donation in Alan’s memory, may do so in support of the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida (symphonicchorale.org), North Country Public Radio (ncpr.org) or Orchestra of Northern New York (44 Pierrepont Ave, Potsdam, NY 13676).

Alan Jerome Wioskowski

March 15, 1942 - May 15, 2019