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John Wheeler Obituary
WORCESTER - John E. Wheeler, 69, of 81 Russell St., died peacefully on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at Ichabod Washburn Hospice Residence, after a long illness. He leaves his wife of 43 years, Suzanne R. (Bouchard) Wheeler; two sons, Michael Wheeler and his wife Andree of Woburn, Kevin Wheeler and his wife Jen of Milford, NH; a daughter, Christine Whorton and her husband Ryan of Bowling Green, OH; two brothers, Richard F. Wheeler and his wife Lois of Webster, David L. Wheeler and his wife Linda of Worcester; a sister, Patricia Regnier and her husband Roy of Northport, FL; five grandchildren, Zackery, Ashley, Justin, Jordan and Julie; a niece and a nephew. He was born and raised in Northbridge, son of the late Richard R. and Annette D. (Benoit) Wheeler. He graduated from Northbridge High School in 1962 and Assumption College in 1966. He lived in Worcester since 1969.
Jack was a math and computer teacher more than 30 years for the Town of Northbridge. He also worked for several years at Stat-Care Pharmacy in North Grafton.
He was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the Greendale YMCA.
He played high school, college and recreational basketball. He was an avid Celtics fan and also enjoyed tennis, biking and kayaking both locally and in Florida.
After cremation, MEMORIAL CALLING HOURS with Jack's ashes will be held from 1 to 3 P.M. on SATURDAY, JULY 20, at KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 154 Lincoln St., followed by a SERVICE of REMEMBRANCE in the funeral home at 3 P.M. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. The family suggests donations in memory of Jack be made to the Oncology Department at Reliant Medical Group, 1 Eaton Place, Worcester, MA 01608 or the Greendale YMCA, 75 Shore Drive, Worcester, MA 01605. To obtain directions or share your thoughts and memories with the family on-line, please visit
www.kellyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Wheeler
Nunnie George
June 30, 2023
In Sports Jack was active in basketball, tennis and swimming. He organized tennis keeping many players playing in scheduled matches. In Basketball played late in life participating in pick up games. He was a good friend. He was a competitive athlete always ready for the challenge.
Jay Boucher
July 1, 2022
My sympathies to the entire Wheeler family. I was new to town in late 1975 and was fortunate to have Mr. Wheeler for the last month of 8´th grade. His easy going manner, his enthusiasm and ability to motivate and engage a (what can be boring) math class remains one of my most fond memories of my time at NHS. God bless and good rest his soul!
Alan Lisak
July 29, 2013
I always looked forward to Mr. Wheeler's Algebra class. Very passionate about teaching and truly cared about all of his students. RIP
Don White
July 20, 2013
July 20, 2013
To Dave and the rest of the Wheeler family, My sincere condolences on the passing of Jack. He was such a great teacher and coach. So many memories & laughs with so little room to share. R.I.P. Mr.Wheeler
July 20, 2013
To Dave and the rest of the Wheeler family, My sincere condolences on the passing of Jack. He was such a great teacher and coach. So many memories & laughs with so little room to share. R.I.P. Mr.Wheeler.
mike odoherty
July 20, 2013
Jack was always the complete gentleman when playing it was a pleasure to know and to be considered a friend he is an individual who made the world a better place and will be missed. I was a better person to have known him.
July 19, 2013
Milt Weiner MD
I've had the privilege of knowing Jack for the past 10 years. He was an outstanding human being allowing several older and less talented tennis players to be a part of his Friday evening after work group to be welcomed participants. His warmth and friendship will never be forgotten. Thank you Jack. God bless and keep you.
Milt
Joan St.Andre
July 19, 2013
Mr Wheeler....great guy, great teacher, great to have on your team in the gym at NHS !!! Fond memories of shooting hoops with him...a true gentlemen and awesome teacher. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Bob Gardner
July 17, 2013
Dear Wheeler family. I am so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I met him several years ago at the Greendale Y playing basketball. I am only a few years younger than Jack and was always amazed at his basketball skills and prowess. However, the most endearing quality he possessed in abundance was his uncompromising fairness. Jack would be the first to call a foul on himself and always expected others to adopt the honor system and be fair in the game also. He was a natural leader and a great fellow. I am certain he will be missed and I hope all your wonderful memories will assist you in this time of sorrow.
Brenda Dunlop
July 12, 2013
Dear Pat and family,
So sorry for your loss. It seems that your brother was a great teacher who inspired many. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Tim O'Brien
July 11, 2013
Dear Wheeler Family,
I played basketball with John frequently over the past 30 years. Along with being an excellent player, his teaching went beyond the classroom and onto the basketball court. I enjoyed his competitive spirit ability to compete at an amazingly high level. He was always a class act and a gentleman. I am so sorry for your loss.
Fran (Farmer) Graveson
July 11, 2013
God Bless, Mr Wheeler. He was truly one of the angels who knew that every child should be recognized and encouraged. He prioritized the right things in life and always had time and patience for everyone. And man, could he play ball!!
Jerry & Marge Ryan
July 10, 2013
Dear Sue, Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
July 10, 2013
Dear Sue and Family, we are so sorry to learn of Jack's passing, he was a kind man to many, myself and my girls included. Are thoughts are with you. Mike & Jan Gallant, Tiffany, Jill, Amie and Chad
Julie Vaz Stolte
July 10, 2013
Rest in peace Mr. Wheeler. You were a great teacher and a wonderful man. My sympathies to your family and friends.
John Cleary
July 10, 2013
Jack was the best. He would always exchange pleasantries when I took over his shift at his parent's garage or when I bumped into him at the Y. Great guy from a great family. My condolences to your entire family.
John Cleary
James Pye
July 9, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marshall Katz
July 8, 2013
It was truly a privilege teaching at Northbridge with Jack Wheeler. He was a good friend, a dedicated teacher, and someone you could count on to help everyone he could. He will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to his family and friends.
Peter Mancuso
July 8, 2013
Very sorry to hear of Jack's passing. My condolences to his wife and family. He was always in such great shape. I played basketball with Jack for many years and he was a great player and a gentleman on and off the court. He was 10 years older than me and I had trouble keeping up with him.
Robert A. Parker Jr.
July 8, 2013
For Richard, David and Patricia and the entire Wheeler family, my deepest sympathies in the passing of your brother Jack. May he rest in peace and may you all cherish fond memories of him.
Kendra Wilson Langus
July 8, 2013
Great teacher and a great man. You will be missed Mr. Wheeler.
Elaine Macomber
July 7, 2013
A true professional. I was privileged to have taught with Jack all of those years. He was a dedicated teacher and a wonderful colleague. My thoughts are with his family as they mourn the loss of such a special person.
Skip Spratt
July 7, 2013
Like many here, I had Mr. Wheeler as a math teacher at Northbridge High School. He was always well-liked and respected by the students. It was always a highlight of the student/teacher basketball game to watch him "dunk" the ball at least once! Years later I spoke with him in a Worcester park while he was pushing his daughter on a swing. He didn't know me well but was very kind and took a genuine interest in catching up on my years after NHS. God Bless you Mr. Wheeler. Thoughts to your family as well.
Nova Remillard (Schiappucci)
July 7, 2013
A memorable teacher who will be truly missed. My deepest sympathy. Rest easy Mr. Wheeler
July 7, 2013
A fine teacher. His influence on so many students will not be forgotten. My sympathies to friends and family.
Margaret Sharps Caton
Peggy Kosciak-Stienstra
July 7, 2013
I echo the comments of so many who have commented here...my brain couldn't wrap itself around Algebra back in the 70's when I was privileged to have this man for my teacher, but I do remember that he never gave up on me. I hope he knew how many students lives he truly touched. RIP Mr. Wheeler.
Jay Boucher
July 7, 2013
Mr. Wheeler was my math teacher for the last month of 8'th grade. I had just moved to Whitinsville from the South Shore. His big smile and easy going, lighthearted way helped ease my transition into a new environment and his enthusiasm fostered my interest in computers and math. He was such an upbeat, encouraging, free spirit. So sad to learn of his passing.
Pamela Kuindersma
July 7, 2013
Rest in peace Mr. Wheeler. You were a kind and wonderful teacher!
Karen Shaw-Kaminski
July 7, 2013
I had him for almost all my math courses, I took all his classes. He could really teach. Great teacher. The chalk be with you. RIP
Cara Andonian-Zechello
July 7, 2013
With technology all around us in our daily lives, it's amazing to remember the very first time I touched a computer and it was in Mr. Wheeler's class in high school. We've come a long way since then but I will always remember that for me, it started with you. Rest in peace and sincere condolences to your family.
Mark Tracy
July 7, 2013
As a former student, I can honestly he will be missed. Prayers and thoughts towards the Wheeler family
Ken Pendergast Jr.
July 7, 2013
He started me on my path to become a data scientist. Teaching basic programming in basic. Such a great guy. Sad to see him go.
Ron Stead
July 7, 2013
Jack was a kind and gentle man. He was a good teacher who cared about his students. He saw each student as an individual and he would never give up trying to teach. Jack had a big heart and his influence on his students will continue.
cassandra snaith
July 7, 2013
One of the teachers that kept me going while in school you will be missed
Cheryl Wentworth
July 7, 2013
I will never ever forget Mr Wheeler. It is because of him that I went on to college and got degrees in both math and computer science. He was my inspiration!! I so wish I had taken the time to thank him. He made such a difference in so many people's lives. God Bless. Prayers to his family.
Fred Hetu
July 7, 2013
My condolences to the family and friends of John Wheeler. He was a patient, kind man who always tried to teach to the needs of his students. I appreciate how he tutored me in Algebra. Truly, a good man.
July 7, 2013
Rest in Peace
Michelle Descoteaux
July 7, 2013
I had Mr. wheeler for 7th and 8th grade computer class. He's was super sweet to us kids and tried his best to get us to learn. He was one of my favorite teachers in Northbridge, we was so sweet and eccentric, it was hard not to love him. Deepest sympathies to his family and friends
Meghan Wilson
July 7, 2013
I was honored to be a student of Mr. Wheeler. I always looked forward to computer class with him, as well as his after school computer club. You were an amazing man Mr. Wheeler. My sincere condolences to his family.
Laura Halacy (Morin)
July 7, 2013
I had Mr. Wheeler in the 9th grade for Algebra. I always loved his class. He was always soft spoken and patient if you needed help. So glad I had the privilege of getting to know him as a teacher. So sorry for the family's loss.
Anthony Ordaz
July 7, 2013
I had Mr Wheeler as a computer teacher and although School was not my best of years he would take time out of his day just to see how I was doing because he genuinely cared about me I will never forget him and all he did for me. Gone way too soon and the school above got a teacher like none other!
Ken Bandilla
July 7, 2013
Math was not my best subject, but Mr. Wheeler made it "almost" OK. Sorry to see him pass.
Dick and Pam Sanderson
July 7, 2013
Jack was a true gentleman who always looked for the positive. He gave so much of his time trying to help people. I enjoyed playing pick up basketball games with him. My wife worked in Northbridge with Jack.
Our deepest sympathy to his family.
Dave Mawson
July 7, 2013
I played pickup basketball with Jack back in the '80s. He was one of the nicest men I have ever met, and a terrific athlete. I am very sorry for your loss.
Dee Plante
July 7, 2013
Jack was my Algebra teacher in 1977, always happy, always smiling, a terrific man and teacher. All of his students loved him. Rest Easy, God Bless, Smile on us all from above
Charlie & Joyce George
July 7, 2013
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to Jack's family. I knew him as a friend with so much enthusiasm for life. He was always active playing basketball in his 50's, kayacking, working out at the Y and organizing and playing tennis. He will be missed
by a great number of friends that he came in contact with.
Ray Adams
July 7, 2013
Jack was a great colleague and friend for over 30 years. He was truly dedicated to his profession. I will miss his smile and positive attitude. My sincere condolences to the entire Wheeler family
July 7, 2013
Jack and I used to dance at the gym dances, we thought we were the best!!! He was a special person and classmate.
July 7, 2013
I feel like Mr. Wheeler genuinely cared for each and every student. He will always be remembered and forever missed. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Lisa Trajanowski
July 7, 2013
Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher, I'll never forget you.
Peter Hinkel
July 7, 2013
Thank you for some great memories of my days in Northbridge
Kaitlyn Farrand (Tynan)
July 7, 2013
I remember Mr. Wheeler and playing Oregon Trail in class. It's so ironic b/c I am now teaching in the classroom where his computer class was! May he rest in peace and may his family know that he is okay.
July 7, 2013
A truly special teacher is very wise, and sees tomorrow in every child's eyes. ~Author Unknown
APRIL JACOBS
July 7, 2013
Rest well. Mr. Wheeler. Blessed Be!
Bev Romasco
July 7, 2013
Jack was a great High School classmate.....NHS class of 62............may you RIP, Jack
APRIL JACOBS
July 7, 2013
Mr. Wheeler will always be remembered as a kind man, and a great teacher to me.
Brian Blizard
July 7, 2013
So sorry to hear of his passing. Lots of us from his High School days played a lot of pickup Basketball at the high school and gym courts.
James Peters
July 7, 2013
I was always honored to have him as a teacher while I went to Northbridge schools. He was a good, inspiring man, and gave his all to the students. He will be missed.
Lynn Army
July 7, 2013
If it weren't for Mr. Wheeler and his ability to get algebra through my skull, I wouldn't have the job I have today designing steel buildings. I wish I had taken the time to thank him...he was a wonderful teacher
Margaret Halacy-Couture
July 7, 2013
So sad to see Mr. Wheeler has passed. I HATED math when I had the pleasure of getting him as my teacher. He made it fun and I FINALLY understood it. Thank you Mr. Wheeler. God Bless.
July 7, 2013
Thank you for inspiring me. I'm so sorry to see that you have left us. You will be missed!
Susie Pratt (Nedoroscik)
July 7, 2013
Mr. Wheeler was a great teacher - always made learning fun! You will be missed by many.
mike chandler
July 7, 2013
was my computer teacher in high school. a real nice guy.sorry for your loss.
Dan and Danielle Gately
July 7, 2013
Very sorry for your loss. When I was a kid Jack would always take the time to ask how I was doing and what was going on with me. He was a real nice guy and a real good friend to my Dad. He will be missed.
Erin (Reilly) Beauchamp
July 7, 2013
So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man. I had him for computers in Northbridge high school. He always told me some day you will have to know how to use computers. I didn't believe him. I hated computers. But I love him as a teacher. He was so right. Computers are hot today. What a wonderful man. I will never forget him. RIP Mr. Wheeler. Never forgotten.
alan Littlefield
July 7, 2013
for you taught so many,,You will never be forgotten by the lives you have touched Mr.Wheeler
Alan Littlefield..
July 7, 2013
We were privileged to have been Jack's colleagues at Northbridge for many years. He was always kind, always positive, always upbeat, always dedicated. Our deepest sympathies to his loving family.
Marty and Joan Roach
Brian Berthiaume
July 7, 2013
I had the pleasure to play basketball with Jack for twenty years always a gentleman on and off the court he was truly one of kind, Jack will be sorely missed, the team above just got a great player. My sincere condolences to his family
Doris Ducharme
July 7, 2013
May God hold you in the palm of His hand and grant you peace. Condolences to family. Jack will be missed. Gone way too soon. Class of 62 has lost a great classmate.
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