Shel Wappler

In loving memory of Shel Wappler, who passed away at home on Wednesday, September 2nd. A gentle man in every sense, Shel touched many lives with his humor, warmth, unconventional spirit and determination to stay rooted in the present moment. A gifted and beloved teacher, he taught 5th grade at Columbus Magnet school for 10 years and later achieved a life-long dream by becoming a certified Merchant Marine Captain. A dedicated water man, one of his proudest achievements was sailing his beautiful Agnes from the coastal village of Gweek, in Cornwall, England, to the harbor in South Norwalk. Shel’s passion for the sea and sailing was a constant presence in his life - providing joy, solace, challenge, satisfaction and deep connection to the world and the people he loved. Shel will be deeply missed by his best friend and wife, Karen Burns-Wappler; his gifted and beautiful children, Sam, Ivy and Will; parents, Reinhold and Jane Wappler; siblings, Sarah, Amy, and Peter; in-laws, Carol and James Burns, members of the Kerschner Family, many nieces and nephews, friends and his four-legged companions Theo and Petey. Shel was a graduate of Greens Farms Academy, Bates College and received a Master’s Degree from Sacred Heart University. A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, September 9th, at 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at The Shore and Country Club, 220 Gregory Boulevard, East Norwalk, CT 06855. www.shoreandcountryclub.com; 203-866-5157. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to: Shel Wappler Scholarship Fund @ Columbus Magnet School 48 Concord Place Norwalk, CT 06854 The Hoyt-Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit www.norwalkfh.com for more information.