BLACK RIVER, NY — The funeral for Harold E. Wheeler, Jr. will be 1pm Friday, June 8, at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown, with Rev. Walter Giles officiating. Burial will follow in the Black River Cemetery. Calling hours are noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at the funeral home.
Mr. Wheeler, 90, Black River, passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2018 following a brief illness.
He is survived by his step-sons, Fred M. Kucik, Sackets Harbor and Richard G. Kucik, Schenectady; his step grandchildren, Mark Kucik, Watertown, Andrew and Michael Kucik, both of Georgia; 3 step great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews to include Jeffrey J. Timerman, Dexter. He was predeceased by a step-son, John “Jack” Kucik, two sisters Rachel Hyde and Evelyn Fields, and a brother Robert Wheeler.
Harold was born in Mannsville, April 29, 1928, a son to Harold and Addie Bush Wheeler. He enlisted in the US Navy in April of 1946 and served aboard the destroyer USS Joseph Kennedy. Following his honorable discharge in 1948, he returned to the north country and worked as a parts manager in the heavy equipment field for over 30 years with V.S. Jerry & Sons of Massena and Watertown. He later worked for Beam Mack and Walsh Equipment both in Watertown. He has served as Zoning Officer for the Town of Rutland for several years and held that position at the time of his passing.
Mr. Wheeler was an assistant scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 26 as well as an Eagle Scout leader. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and golf.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601.
Online remembrances may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.
