Richard M. Wheeler

WATERBURY CENTER — Richard Maurice Wheeler, 82, passed away in the comfort of his home and wife, Johanna, on Monday evening, June 11, 2012, following many years of declining health. Born in Cambridge on Dec. 27, 1929, he was the son of the late Harvey and Mercy (Wood) Wheeler.

Richard grew up in Underhill and attended Essex High School, where he excelled in sports, especially basketball, and graduated with honors in 1948. Joining the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, Richard served from Jan. 24, 1951, until his honorable discharge on Jan. 17, 1955. Following his war service, Richard continued his education at the University of Vermont, graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree in engineering and mathematics. Richard also served as a member of the Vermont Air National Guard.

Richard’s early career saw him working as a civil engineer at numerous sites in New York state, Washington state and at the Minuteman Missile Site in North Dakota. Returning to Vermont, he was employed by the engineering firm Webster, Martin and Goodrich before founding his own company in 1971, Wheeler Engineering Co. in Waterbury Center, retiring in 1999.

Richard’s strength lay in his honesty and kindness toward others. He never spoke an ill word against anyone and was always helpful and caring. His favorite pastimes, other than smoking his pipe, were golfing, hunting, fishing, watching basketball, baseball and spending time with friends. A longtime Free Mason, his memberships included Winooski Lodge 49 F&AM, Waterbury Chapter 24 and Barre Council 22 R&SM.

Richard is survived by his wife, Johanna, who was his love and strength through the many wonderful years that they spent together. He was a proud father of his two sons, Christopher Wheeler and his wife, Alexiss, and Jonathan Wheeler and his companion, Holly McCormick; his grandson, Nicholas, whom he had such great affection for; his sister, Col. Coleen Shanklin and her husband, Lt. Col. Dr. Ken Shanklin (retired); as well as many dearly loved nieces, nephews and their families; and many caring friends.

Funeral services will be held from the Waterbury Center Community Church on Monday, June 18, 2012, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the church dining room. Interment will take place in Fairview Cemetery in Essex Junction. The family requests that flowers be omitted; rather, memorial gifts would be appreciated to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 (www.cvhhh.org); or the Waterbury Ambulance Service, PO Box 95, Waterbury Center, VT 05677. To send online condolences, please visit us at www.perkinsparker.com and Facebook. Assisting the family is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury.