Irving D. Bigham, 97, of Bristol, passed away on Thursday (August 19, 2021) at Apple Rehab in Watertown. He was the widower of Frances (Holick) Bigham to whom he was married for over 50 years.
Irving was born on May 1, 1924 in Danbury, CT to the late Erma (Dykeman) and John Bigham. A veteran of WWII, Irving was a Corporal in the United States Army Air Forces, serving in the Pacific Theater in Saipan and Iwo Jima with the 21st Fighter Group. He enjoyed sharing stories with his family about his WWII experiences, including driving a water truck up the precarious road on Mount Suribachi, the realities of crossing the Pacific in a Liberty ship and trying to sleep on the open deck of the cruiser USS Columbia. Irving was employed as a truck driver and furniture mover and also constructed a home for his family almost entirely himself. Irving spent much of his life in Danbury before moving to Waterbury and then Bristol, CT with his wife. He and Frances enjoyed traveling and took many cross-country trips, visiting all of the lower 48 states. Irving had a quick sense of humor that brought laughs and smiles to those around him and gratitude for the simple things in life.
Irving is survived by his daughter Linda Grady and her husband Barre of San Carlos Park, FL; his son Gary Bigham and his wife Dianne of Fort Mill, SC; and his son David Bigham and his wife Karyn of Waterbury, CT; as well as six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his two brothers, John and Vincent Bigham.
The family will gather privately from 10-11AM on Thursday (August 26, 2021) at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol. Burial with military honors will follow at Peacedale Cemetery, 115-199 James P Casey Rd., Bristol. Please visit Irving’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com
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