Community Mourns Allan Wicklund, 78: 'Always There When Called'

RIVERHEAD, NY — Allan James Wicklund passed away at home on January 8, 2024 while being comforted and cared for by family. Allan was 78 years old.

Allan was born on July 22, 1945 in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County. He was the son of Lawrence and Virginia Wicklund. Allan grew up in Valley Stream, Long Island. As a young man, Allan developed a love for working on cars alongside his brother, Larry, and their many lifelong friends.

Allan served as a volunteer fireman for the Valley Stream Fire Department. During the Vietnam War, Allan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served out his commission honorably.

During his teen years, Allan would visit Riverhead with friends and eventually move his family to the area later in life. Allan met the love of his life Judith in 1968. They married in 1969.

Allan became a Nassau County Police officer, serving in the 4th precinct and later the Marine Bureau. As a police diver, Allan worked on Flight 800 and several other notable cases. In 1998 Allan received the Theodore Roosevelt Association Police Award.

Allan found great joy throughout his life with his family and many friends. Always there when called by family or friends, Allan was seen by all who knew him as dependable, honest and trustworthy and filled his life with laughter and love.

Allan was preceded in death by daughter, Keri Stromski, brother, Lawrence Wicklund II, father, Lawrence Wicklund and mother, Virginia Wicklund.

Allan is survived by his wife Judith, sons Scott (Sandra) Wicklund, Robert (Krista) Wicklund, daughter Jill (Jacob) Kubetz, son-in-law Robert Stromski and his 11 grandchildren Dylan, Skylar, Hunter, Brennan, Phillip, Madison, Morgan, Quinn, Rachel, Julia, Caroline and great-granddaughter Kylie.

Visitation for Allan will be held at the McLaughlin Heppner Funeral home, located at 336 Marcy Ave. in Riverhead, on Sunday, January 14, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A funeral service will be held Monday, January 15 at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors to follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the NFBHC Keri Lynn Stromski Stage IV Breast Cancer Research and Support Fund. Donations can be mailed to: NFBHC Keri Lynn Stromski Stage IV Breast Cancer Research and Support Fund, 185 Old Country Rd., Suite 6 Riverhead, NY 11901.