Erwin "Jim" Wetmore
March 5, 1937 ~ September 28, 2022
Born in:
New Haven, CT
Resided in:
Hamden, CT
Erwin “Jim” Wetmore, beloved husband of Beverly Brain Wetmore, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2022 in the Hospital of St. Raphael surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 5, 1937 in New Haven to the late Clement and Marion Kirk Wetmore. A lifelong resident of Hamden, Jim graduated from Hamden High School in 1956. After graduation he went to work for Professional Equipment Company, repairing and installing X-Ray equipment all over the state. Eight years later he was hired by Yale-New Haven Hospital as their chief radiological engineer where he worked for 35 years, retiring in 1999. While at Yale he built a lung biopsy needle to diagnose lung lesions. At 17 years old, Jim joined the Mix District Volunteer Fire Co. and was still an active member until he passed. He was Captain for many years and felt very honored that he could help his community in a town that he loved. During the Flood of ’82 he rescued two people marooned in Mill River and was later cited for heroism. He was also on the committee that started the Hamden Firework Display. After retirement, he went to work for Cloudland Paint and Utility Communication Co. As an active member of the Mt. Carmel Congregational Church, he served on many committees over the years. Never one to sit around, you could find Jim on the golf course, fishing, hunting, hiking, or making molasses cookies. He loved it when family or friends needed his help fixing anything that wasn’t working. He was a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, loving brother and uncle, and faithful friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Jim will be remembered by his five boys, Ray (Becky) of Hamden, Roger (Lana) of Cheshire, Rich (Michele) of Windermere, FL, Ron (Tricia) of Wallingford, and Tom (Betsy) Purtell of Cheshire; his daughter, Jennette (Bob) Battipaglia of Cheshire; 22 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, Paul (Betty) Wetmore; sisters, Gloria Scarpa and Lila Stevens; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by his siblings and their spouses, brother, Duane (Helen and Sharyn) Wetmore, Gladys (Stan) Brown, Laura (Gerald) Wolf, Ellen (Roy) Alling, Viola Wetmore and Murial Wetmore; and brothers-in-law, Mike Scarpa and Fred Stevens. The family would like to thank the staff of Verdi 5 and SLA 5 for the exceptional care and empathy he received.
Friends may visit with his family on Monday, October 3rd from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday morning in the funeral home at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Memorial donations may be sent to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org, or to the charity of your choice.
Services
Visitation: October 3, 2022 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203-288-0800
Funeral Service: October 4, 2022 10:00 am
Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203-288-0800
Miss you so much already!
I keep thinking about Pop Pop. He was an extraordinary person. I’m beyond fortunate to have known him for 30 years or more.
Dear Roger,
My heart aches for you and your family with such a sad loss. I am thinking and praying for you. Ox
Bev and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. A life well lived.
I’m sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was kind, generous, funny & always smiling. We enjoyed every time we got together with your family whether in Hamden or Vermont & everyone knew your door was open to just drop by to say hello. He was an asset to the Mix District Volunteer Fire Co, the Town of Hamden & but most of all you can see the love he had for his family. I know all your memories will keep him close to your heart forever.
With our deepest & heartfelt sympathy,
Dorothy & Nicole
We are so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Hold all your memories close to your heart . The Salemme Famijy.
Love you Jim, we will miss you. Forever in our hearts ❤️.
Tom…That was beautiful written.
Our Deepest sympathy..
Bob and Margaret Pidskalny
So sorry to read this news. I worked in the x-ray field for years and worked with Jim many,, many times. Over all the years I also worked with many other servicemen from many different vendors with various abilities and I can say without a doubt that Jim was without a doubt the best I have ever run across. He just had an instinct for the source of the problem and could fix anything. He was quite remarkable. He will be missed.
Ron and I are so sorry for your loss of your wonderful husband. We loved him so much. Prayers for for you and your family🙏🙏❤️❤️🥲
Very sorry for your loss .
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Deepest condolences.
So sorry for your loss of a wonderful man.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Erwin was a very sweet man that I had the pleasure of working with at utility communications. He always told stories and made us all laugh daily. And his molasses cookies were the best! He will be missed by all.
Jim told great true stories that would explain something to me. I came back from a scary situation where I was a volunteer. I was upset that I got myself into a dangerous situation and was questioning why I took the chance. Pop pop told me about when he happened to drive by a house on fire and didn’t have his fire fighting gear. He ran in and saved the family. He told me how he was more shook up about his actions than when performing them. He knew exactly how I felt and I don’t think anyone else could have comforted me that day.
Unfortunately, we don’t get to keep our loved ones forever, except in our hearts. May God bless you all with His Peace as you mourn this deep loss.
To the Wetmore Family: Condolences on your loss. It was touching that you were able to accept Tom Purtell as one of your family after the tragic death of his mom (my sister/Gail Dixon Purtell). I’m sure your guidance over the years was a key factor in Tom’s life and success.
Dear Ray and Family,
Anthony and I are so very sorry for the loss of your father, please know that we are with you and your entire family in thought and prayer. Jim was always a gentleman by nature and passed his values on to his family. He will be remembered fondly.
Sincerely
Anthony and Maryanne Cuomo❤️
The entire “Harger” family (Don Harger, Carol Senerchia, Geri Rosenberg) was so very saddened to hear of your loss. We have such fond memories of Jim. He will be missed, especially by the Town of Hamden.
Beverly,
Raymond, Roger, Richard, Ronnie and Jeanette,
My very sincere condolences. He was smiling every time I met him. I still remember the Firemen’s Picnic at Brooksvale Park, when the fire broke out at Connecticut Donut. The picnic came to an abrupt end, as all the firemen left to fight the fire. My Aunt Hilda Peterson, took us kids to the fire. We sat on the fence at Mt. Carmel Cemetery to watch. I still remember Jimmy in his plaid shorts, sneakers, and firemen’s coat on the roof with the hose.
The picture he printed (with my dad in it) for me of the firemen in their parade uniforms , in front of JC Penney’s is framed on the wall in my dining room.
I saw the engine going up Whitney Avenue today – made me cry.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Hollie Care Schrader