Robert J. Wheeler

Robert J. Wheeler passed away on March 12, 2017 in Orange Park, FL at the age of 85.     He was born on June 26, 1931 to parents Julian Taylor Wheeler and Evelyn Ellen (LeClair) Wheeler in Mt. Kisco, NY. Bob was a long time resident of Holland and Derby, VT before moving to Florida in the fall of 1987.   Bob served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a Navy Reservist, retired.  He was a Master Plumber for the state of Florida and retired in 2002. Bob was handyman and could fix about anything he put his hands to.  He could turn trash into a treasure   He married Teresa Choiniere on June 14, 1951.  They had three children, Richard, Kathy and Bruce.     Bob volunteered for the Red Cross at the Jacksonville Naval Hospital as a shuttle driver.  He enjoyed fishing and the outdoors.   He became affiliated with the Loyal Order of Moose on January 18, 1992 when he joined the Lakeshore, FL Lodge 2020.   He was also a member of the Elk’s Lodge in Derby, VT and a member of the local VFW.   He enjoyed participating in the Annual Mayors Walk in Jacksonville for many years.        Bob and his wife Teresa came to Moosehaven on February 15, 2017.   He was only here for a short time but made a lasting impression in our hearts.    He was an “Unsung Hero” who gave up everything for the love of his life, Teresa. Bob showed his family and the staff and residents of Moosehaven the true meaning of unconditional love, caring about the happiness of another without any thought of himself.      Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lucille Flynn of Vermont.  He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Teresa Wheeler; son, Richard Wheeler and his wife Suzie of Newport, VT; daughter, Kathy W. Boyles and her husband Richard of Edgewater, FL; son, Bruce J. Wheeler and his wife Cory of Kingsland, GA; 5 grandchildren and their spouses and 1 great-grandchild.   Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 1:30 pm in the   Moosehaven Chapel with military honors by the United States Navy, Reverend Helen Taylor officiating.  Interment of his ashes will be at a later date in Jacksonville National Cemetery.