Donald W. Wheaton Jr.

Donald "Donnie" Wheaton Jr., 62, of Stoneham died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 19. He was a lifetime resident of Stoneham. He was born in Cambridge on October 23, 1956 and he was the son of the late Senny(Asenath) Bellino and the step-son of Robert Bellino of Stoneham. Donnie was a graduate of Stoneham High School and a 42-year career employee of the former MassBay Commuter Rail, now known as Keolis. As a commuter rail conductor on the railroad, Donnie was Local Chairman of United Transportation Union 898B of the South Side. He was passionate about his role as Local Chairman and dedicated himself to ensure employees' voices were heard and he was a strong advocate. Donnie would help his union friends in any way that he could. Donnie is survived by his wife Kathleen (Mullen) Wheaton; his niece Jill Mullen and her husband, Nicholas Machado, whom he referred to as "his son." Donnie worshipped Jill and Nick's children, his great niece and nephew, Hayden and Cameron Machado, and he meant the world to them. He is also survived by his sister Donna Furman and her husband Michael of Woburn; his sister-in-law Patricia Meyertholen and her husband Edward of Alexandria, VA; his brother-in-law Robert Mullen and his wife Charlotte of Stoughton; his niece Andrea Meyertholen of Lawrence, KS; his niece Kristin Favela and her husband Nick of Nashville, TN; his nephew Rob Mullen and his niece Sarah Mullen of Stoughton; his Aunt Peggy Bukoski and her husband Kenny and their son, Kenny Bukoski Jr.; and his Aunt Mary Jane Mahoney of Stoneham. He is uncle to William Wheaton of Watertown and to the late Michael and Matthew Wheaton and Godfather to the late Thomas Feindel. Donnie is also survived by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; his lifelong friend, Kenneth Feindel and his wife, Janice of Wilmington. An extensive network of treasured friendships from the railroad, union members and many more friends who enjoyed his passion for football and attending Patriots Games at Gillette Stadium. "Go Pats!" His funeral will be held from the McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home, 322 Main Street, Stoneham on Friday, January 25th at 8am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St. at 9am. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, January 24th from 4-8pm. Interment, Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham.