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Robert Wheeler Obituary
Dr. Wheeler was born in Waterbury. He was a graduate of The Taft School, Princeton University, and Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Wheeler received postgraduate education at Bellevue Hospital, Yale Child Study Center, Children's Hospital, Chicago, and Babies Hospital, New York.
A clinical professor of pediatrics, he taught at Columbia for 30 years. Dr. Wheeler practiced pediatrics in Greenwich for 20 years and was on the staff of the Emergency Department of Greenwich Hospital for 15 years. As a volunteer physician for Care-Medico, Dr. Wheeler, in 1962, reopened the Pediatric Service in the war-damaged hospital Beni Messous, Algiers, and taught emergency medicine in Java, Indonesia, in 1975.
Dr. Wheeler was a veteran of World War II. As a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, he participated in the early studies of tuberculosis treated with streptomycin.
His marriage to Mary Whitmire of Atlanta ended in divorce. Their living children are Susan Foot of Brunswick, Md., and Channing Wheeler of Westport. He is also survived by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Two children, Gail Brewster and Martha Wheeler, predeceased him.
Dr. Wheeler was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Princeton Club of New York, a longtime member of the Indian Harbor Yacht Club, the Overseas Yacht Club of New York, and the Pine Orchard Yacht Club.
A celebration of his life will be held at a reception for friends and family at StoneRidge Retirement Community.
A private family burial service will be held this summer in Truro, Mass.
Contributions in Dr. Wheeler's memory may be made to The Truro Conservation Trust, PO Box 327, North Truro, MA 02652.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Wheeler
Sponsored by His son, R. Channing Wheeler, Jr.
Allegra Holch
December 15, 2018
Dr. Wheeler was my pediatrician growing up in Greenwich. We had a big family (7 kids!) & he was always so kind to all of us -- I think we'd have our appts. one after the other on the same day! He was the best. I still have a Santa tree ornament his office gave me when I was 3 and fell down the stairs and needed stitches!
Elaine
April 25, 2013
Dr. Wheeler was such a wonderful, humble man. I will miss our talks and the great conversations we shared.
April 18, 2013
R.I.P. old friend. You're a great soul.
April 14, 2013
I read about the death of Dr. Wheeler on The Friends of Old Greenwich Facebook page. I loved Dr. Wheeler! I enjoyed his sense of humor. He was my pediatrician until I went to college! My 3 sisters also remember him fondly. My 87 year old mother still tells some fun stories about Dr. Wheeler's comments when we went to him for dr. visits. He will be remembered very fondly.
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Laurene D'Andrea
April 14, 2013
sending warm thoughts to the family, I want you to know that I have not seen Dr. Wheeler in over 40 years however, I will always remember his kindness, expertise and passion. As my pediatrician, my parents trusted him implicitly....this is big if you know my father. I will always be grateful for the excellent care I and my brothers received under his expert care. He did so much for my family. He will be surely missed.
Nancy DuPuy
April 10, 2013
Memories of the fun we had together in the Big Apple the last few years will always be treasured. I will miss you Bob.
Nancy DuPuy
NYC
Stephanie Gallagher
April 10, 2013
My husband, Charles Gallagher, and Dr. Bob were friends for over a half century. We had the opportunity to visit Bob at Stonington two years ago and have tried to stay in contact but my husband's bad health (he is in the final stages, under Hospice care, of bladder and kidney cancer) and Bon more recent heart problems, kept us apart. We will miss him terribly. My husband and Bob will be sailing in calm seas now, and their good causes will have angels promoting them. Bless you, dear Bob.
William and Cal Alde - Farnam
April 8, 2013
Cal and I really enjoyed our annual summer visits with Dr Bob dining at the Ocean House. Bob, we will miss you very much. We were lucky to have known you even for just a few years.
Rita Korst
April 7, 2013
My dear friend so sorry to see you go..
I will miss you.
Doreen Gottschalck (Sherwood)
April 7, 2013
I can remember working with Dr. Wheeler in Greenwich Hospital. I worked there as an Escort,then the department decided to have a Transportation Dept. I was the first one in that dept. I remember Dr. Wheeler as a fine well liked doctor. I sure many will miss his services.
Diana Tual
April 5, 2013
Dr Wheeler was my mom's physician as she gave birth to each of us, her four children. Mom always commented that Dr Wheeler was the best. Dr Wheeler took care of us all while we were growing up and we are all grateful and thankful for him. Mom was such a skinny little thing and all her children were big babies and Dr Wheeler insisted she do natural child birth and we all get a good laugh out of this as while mom was birthing us with your father, my father was home in the bathroom! We thank your dad for all he did for our family as well as the town of Greenwich through his years of practice! May God Bless your family through this time of sadness. The LeRoy Tual Family, Jewelle, Donna, Diana, Daniel & David
April 5, 2013
My sweet father Dr. Edwin Kent and Dr. Wheeler were dear friends and our families have many fond memories of sailing all up and down Long Island Sound. I know that he and my dad are finally sailing and laughing together again! A wonderful doctor and friend to all he will be missed! Siri Kent
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