Wheelock, Alan Sterling SARATOGA SPRINGS Alan Sterling Wheelock, a loving husband, father and grandfather passed away on October 26, 2020, in Saratoga Springs from complications related to cancer. He was 84 years old and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Born in Brooklyn, Dr. Wheelock moved to Cambridge in 1967 with Renate and raised a family there. A lifelong educator and mentor, he touched the lives of countless students. Alan received his Ph.D. from University at Albany. He taught at Russell Sage College and was an English professor at Skidmore College for over 20 years. He continued to teach adult education classes at A.L.L. in Saratoga as recently as this past spring. Known locally as "Doc," he believed in experiences over possessions, the value of education, knowledge of history, and the rewards of honest hard work. He had a quick-witted sense of humor and a lifelong love of traveling, trains, classic movies and Seinfeld. He spent a year with Renate teaching English in China and cherished the experience. He was predeceased by his parents, Sterling and Madeline Wheelock; his brother Warren (Connie) Wheelock; and his wife of 44 years Renate. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Chris) Centola; his son, Jared (Bridget) Wheelock; his three grandchildren, Garrick Centola, Jordan Centola, and Dylan Wheelock; a niece, Lara Wheelock; and nephew, Sean (Kelly) Wheelock. Memorial services will be scheduled for next spring or summer to accommodate the current health climate. In lieu of flowers or cards, donations may be made to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or the Academy of Lifelong Learning at Saratoga Springs. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home of Saratoga Springs. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

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Published by Albany Times Union on Nov. 4, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan Wheelock

11 Entries

Anna Rossini

April 2, 2024

On behalf of the Administration, Faculty and Staff of Queens College, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire family.

May he Rest in Peace,

Stephan Barlow

May 2, 2023

My name is Stephan Barlow; my mother was Jeanne Fournier; my grandfather was Henry Fournier, the brother of Madeline Wheelock, who was Alan's mother. Alan's father, Sterling served in WWI--I was told the he was an officer on Gen. Pershing's staff. In any case, I am in possession of a keepsake pin--a highly ornamented sword with a gold or gold plated scabbard--that Sterling gave to my mother.
As I am now entering the last phases of my life and have no heirs who would appreciate this bit of family history, I feel it would be best if I could give it to someone who might appreciate it. At the risk of a lot of spam my email address is [email protected]

Larry Losio

May 28, 2022

I took two courses with Professor Wheelock at SUNY Albany back in the early 1970s- "The Contemporary American Novel" and "Science Fiction". Every single second spent in his classroom was a blessing and triggered a new insight or offered an invitation to think more deeply or differently about a topic or idea. 50 years later I still experience flashbacks to moments, stories and insights gained from him during those classes. He was simply an extraordinary teacher and a fascinating, captivating human being. I hope he had at least some small inkling of how revered he was by his students; I regret never having seized the opportunity to reach out to him to let him know how much of an impact he made on the lives of so many of us.

Nancy Cambria

June 8, 2021

I just read of Professor Wheelock's passing in Skidmore's alumni magazine. He was my favorite professor and was a huge supporter of me at a time when I was extremely shy and overwhelmed by going to college. I spent hours in the little dorm study room tapping on a typewriter (yes) writing essays for his classes. He forever gave me a love of 1930s literature and film, and a fascination with growing up in New York City. His demeanor was anti-academic snobbery mixed with just a little sarcasm and a lot of everyday friendliness and joy. I went on to a great career in journalism thanks to his start. I am so sorry for his family's loss.

Kurt Johnston

May 25, 2021

Mr. Wheelock was an amazing man with so many dimensions. It sounds cliche, but the world is better for his presence on it.

JEFFREY LEVITT

January 20, 2021

So very sorry for your loss..

I loved Alan. He was my American Lit teacher (took 3 courses) and his grasp of literature, history, sociology, and the arts was unmatched by any other teacher at SUNY Albany. More importantly, he was a friend who cared about his students' lives as well. Not a day goes by without some gem of Alan's reverberating in my mind. Today was a reference to the novel, An American Tragedy. Driving by the Old Troy Road, I remembered Alan mentioning it in class.

I can't believe he's gone. I always thought I would find time to look him up. My tragedy.

Jim Carrolan

November 19, 2020

I did electrical work at the house in Cambridge over the years. Always enjoyed seeing both Renate and Allan, however many times they were not present. The trust they showed is most gratifying.

Tony Hao

November 15, 2020

When Professor Wheelock taught me 30 years ago, I was a young and shy student from a rural area in China, without any confidence. He opened a window for me, not only for the knowledge you taught me but also for the love that I received from you.
He put some money in my pocket without telling me when he knew I came from a poor family.
He hugged me tightly when I finished my first public speech. He set up a shy young man’s confidence.
When he left China, he left me a camera with a note in the bag telling me to keep on studying hard in the future. And told me I could return the camera to him one day in USA.
I have been working hard and trying to be a person he expected. But I will never see him again.
Today it is a traditional Memorial Day in China. According to Chinese tradition, I showed my love to him. A bunch of white flowers and some burning paper will bring my blessings to him!
I always love you, Professor Wheelcok and Ms. Wheelock.
Tony Hao

Martha Skeel

November 8, 2020

Dear Jennifer, you might not remember our family but we remember them fondly from when we lived in Cambridge. You used to play with our children Beth and as you called him Dickie. I was sad to hear that you lost your mom and now your dad. They were both great people and we had lots of fun with them. I’m sure you were very proud of both of them. We are very sorry for your and Jarreds loss. Dick and Martha Skeel.

Tom Lewis

November 6, 2020

Alan and I had adjoining offices at Skidmore College and we shared mutual interests in American literature, film, and culture. I came to appreciate his unique understanding of history and the perspective he brought to my own writings. I also valued the important contributions he and his wife, Renate, made to several of my research projects. Our collaborations over the years, along with the capaciousness of Alan’s knowledge about all facets of American culture, have given me a store of rich memories. I cherish them and the friendship we shared many years ago. My sympathy goes out to his children and grandchildren.

November 4, 2020

Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.

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