Irving Francis Wisneski

Born January 4, 1934 in Kingston, NY, he was the son of the late Adolph G. 'Irv' and Marie (Weishaupt) Wisneski. He was a graduate of Kingston High School, Cornell University and a member of Lamda Chi Alpha Fraternity.

He played football in high school, was on ski patrol for the National Ski Patrol Association for 13 years and enjoyed bowling in leagues. He had a close, devoted group of friends that he loved to ski with on weekends. A highlight for him was spending hours on end every year decorating their entire home to look like a Christmas Winter Wonderland. People would drive through the cul-de-sac every year just to see our home.

He met the love of his life, Estelle, in 1961 and they were married on June 23, 1962. They settled in Kingston, NY, where their three daughters were born. He started his career with IBM in 1954 in both Kingston and Poughkeepsie and in 1979, they made a difficult decision to transfer the family to Charlotte, NC, where he continued to work for IBM until his retirement in 1990. Because he was always on the move, he then went back to work part-time for Duke Power in the Customer Service Department for 10 years.

After retiring, he and Estelle enjoyed travelling the world and taking cruises. He also enjoyed projects, gardening and being outside in the yard. He loved his grandchildren dearly and enjoyed attending their school and sporting events. As active members of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Charlotte, he and his wife taught marriage preparation and Faith Formation classes as a couple. He was also an usher at church for many years.

As the father of three daughters, we gave him a run for his money and always told him he would have a special place in heaven. He was fastidious in all aspects of life, was a meticulous dresser and everyone loved his style, particularly his grandchildren. They always said their Poppy had “swag and drip.”

Throughout their entire marriage, Irv and Estelle were devoted to each other and still as in love as the day they met. Despite the many years of health challenges, he was a fighter until the very end. He was a perfect example of a loving Catholic husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and uncle. We hope he will be remembered for his faith, perseverance, love of people and his zest for life.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Estelle Nigro Wisneski, his three daughters, Lori Thompson (Michael), Linda Sarber (Michael), and Julie Banchansky (Brent), all of Charlotte. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren: Courtney Thompson Bost (Will), Andrew Sarber, Brad Thompson (fiancée Charlotte Ruhlin), Ben Sarber and Morgan Thompson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who he greatly treasured. He was predeceased by his parents, his stepmother, Gertrude Bruck Wisneski, his sisters, Rosemary and Jean and brothers, Leo and Robert.

The family will receive visitors in the activity center from 12:30 pm-1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow in the main church at 1:15 pm. Location is St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 6828 Old Reid Rd., Charlotte, NC 28210.

Interment to immediately follow the Mass at Sharon Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, we have created a fundraiser for the Colon Cancer Coalition in his memory. Donations can be made here:

https://giving.coloncancercoalition.org

Donations can also be made in his memory to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. QR Code to follow.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Levine & Dickson Hospice House for their care and support. 

Memories may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com