SOUTHWICK – George R. Wheeler, 80, of Southwick, MA passed away on October 28, 2022, after a prolonged illness.
He was predeceased by his parents, George H. and Ellen Wheeler and his brother John Wheeler, all of Westfield, MA.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Judy with whom he recently celebrated their 58th anniversary, his daughter Heidi Wheeler and her husband Brett Isaacson, his son Doug Wheeler and his wife Terry Jo, and his grandson Forrest Emery.
George grew up in Westfield and went to Westfield State University. He taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades at Franklin Avenue, Highland Avenue, and Smith Avenue Schools in Westfield for nearly 40 years. When George lived in Chester, he was very active in a variety of organizations including the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, and the 2nd Congregational Church of Chester where he was the organist. In 2002, George and Judy moved to the American Inn in Southwick and joined the Southwick Congregational Church where they served as Deacons. Their move to Southwick soon after retirement is when he began his favorite ‘job’ as leader of the Southwick Travelers. He enjoyed working with Friendship Tours to create trips for this fun and friendly group. He especially loved cruises and train rides. Some of his favorite trips included the Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA; a week traveling throughout Ireland; Alaska by land and sea; and the Rocky Mountaineer in the Canadian Rockies. The memories of the friends he’d made and the sights he’d seen while traveling with the Southwick Travelers really helped sustain him over the past few years.
Funeral Service will be held at Firtion-Adams Funeral Home at 76 Broad St., Westfield, MA, Saturday, Nov 5 at 11:00 AM. It will be preceded by calling hours from 10:00-11:00 AM. Firtionadams.com
