Donald E. Wheeler

Greenfield, Massachusetts
Donald E. Wheeler, 96, of 107 Maple Street in Greenfield, passed away peacefully on December 13th, 2018 at Buckley Health Care Center, following a period of declining health. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by loving members of his family, with whom he regularly gathered on Saturdays to share in laughter, coffee, and good company.
He was born in Montague on November 8, 1922, to Carl and Kathleen Wheeler, and moved to Greenfield as a child, where he attended Greenfield Public Schools. He enlisted in the US Navy and served from 1943 until 1946, as an aviation metalsmith, 3rd class. Upon his return from the military, he met the love of his life, Shirley E. Walker, who he married on June 15th, 1947. He was employed at Threadwell Tap & Die, as a draftsman, but knew he wanted to further his career, and independently chose to take courses to develop those skills. He ultimately became the Chief Product Engineer at Bendix until his retirement in 1983. He was a dedicated provider for his family, and was always known for his kindness and good humor.
He is lovingly remembered by his children: Cynthia Wheeler, Linda Taylor, her companion Mo Taylor, Tim and Sheila Wheeler, Betsy Gagne, Kathy Wheeler Jenkins and Penn Jenkins, and Nancy and John Pretto. Additionally, Donald loved his devoted siblings Robert Wheeler, Richard Wheeler, and Janice and Everett Hatch, as well as his sister-in-law, Ruth “Ruthie” Skrypek. He will also be missed by his thirteen adoring grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. He will join his beloved wife, Shirley, who predeceased him, as well as his parents and sister, Kathleen “Kay” Keshishian.
Donald was an avid reader, with a special affinity for Robert Frost, whose poems brought him a particular kind of joy. He loved animals, and had many dogs and cats through the years. He especially loved the visits of family dogs, Brady and Petey, and looked forward to sneaking them snacks under the table. He had a passion for making gifts in his woodworking workshop, and spent many hours designing and creating unique projects. Many of his grandchildren have happy memories of hours spent in that same workshop under his direction; he found satisfaction in being accurate and exact in everything he did, but, a natural leader, also brought patience and care to his instructions. While at Buckley, for the last seven years of his life, he developed close and meaningful relationships with many of the staff. He had a fantastic sense of humor, up to the last, which made everyone around him laugh. Toward the end he was more reticent, but in addition to his wry wit, he always had many thoughtful words of wisdom to share.
?Calling hours will be held Friday, December 21, 2018 at McCarthy Funeral Home 36 Bank Row, Greenfield, MM 01301 from 10:00am-12:00pm, with a short service following at Green River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memoriam can be made to the Buckley Resident’s Activity Fund, c/o Buckley Healthcare, 95 Laurel Street, Greenfield, MA 01301.

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