John E. Wheeler, 69, of 81 Russell St., died peacefully on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at Ichabod Washburn Hospice Residence, after a long illness. He leaves his wife of 43 years, Suzanne R. (Bouchard) Wheeler; two sons, Michael Wheeler and his wife Andree of Woburn, Kevin Wheeler and his wife Jen of Milford, NH; a daughter, Christine Whorton and her husband Ryan of Bowling Green, OH; two brothers, Richard F. Wheeler and his wife Lois of Webster, David L. Wheeler and his wife Linda of Worcester; a sister, Patricia Regnier and her husband Roy of Northport, FL; five grandchildren, Zackery, Ashley, Justin, Jordan and Julie; a niece and a nephew. He was born and raised in Northbridge, son of the late Richard R. and Annette D. (Benoit) Wheeler. He graduated from Northbridge High School in 1962 and Assumption College in 1966. He lived in Worcester since 1969.
Jack was a math and computer teacher more than 30 years for the Town of Northbridge. He also worked for several years at Stat-Care Pharmacy in North Grafton.
He was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the Greendale YMCA.
He played high school, college and recreational basketball. He was an avid Celtics fan and also enjoyed tennis, biking and kayaking both locally and in Florida.
After cremation, MEMORIAL CALLING HOURS with Jack's ashes will be held from 1 to 3 P.M. on SATURDAY, JULY 20, at KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 154 Lincoln St., followed by a SERVICE of REMEMBRANCE in the funeral home at 3 P.M. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. The family suggests donations in memory of Jack be made to the Oncology Department at Reliant Medical Group, 1 Eaton Place, Worcester, MA 01608 or the Greendale YMCA, 75 Shore Drive, Worcester, MA 01605