Obituary for David Dennison Wheeler
David Dennison Wheeler, 82, passed away on December 25, 2020, after complications from COVID-19. He was the youngest of 8 children, born to the late Noyes and Mary Riley Wheeler on July 9, 1938 in Willimantic, CT. He graduated from Windham High School, and went on to serve in the Army during the Korean Conflict, touring several countries playing on an All-Star basketball team. He was quite the hoopster. Dave returned to Connecticut to work at Electric Boat and raise his family.
Dave’s love of sports went beyond basketball; he was not only a huge fan of the Boston Celtics, the University of Connecticut men’s and women’s basketball teams, he also loved the Boston Red Sox, the New York Giants, and any NFL squad that teamed up to provide him with a winning Super Bowl pool square — for amusement purposes only, of course! He was always willing to offer anyone within earshot his unique brand of sage advice, often punctuated with his dry wit, on any and all topics. He could hold his own in any debate within his circle of friends at the Elk’s Lodge, Franco-American Civic & Social Club, Trolley Pub or the Windham Golf Club, where he was a fairly accomplished golfer back in the day.
Dave is survived by his children; Kenneth Wheeler, Judith Wheeler Baker and Sharon Wheeler, his grandchildren; Vaughn, Marley and Aja Baker, his sisters; Mary Whitehouse and Linda Sypher (whom he adored and honored with regular wine and treat deliveries). He also had many adoring nieces and nephews, including Michael Sypher and Kathleen Sypher Johnson, with whom he shared holiday meals, and notably always enjoyed the biggest servings of turnips.
Leaving behind many friends, his family would like to recognize a very special friend who served as Dave’s wingman over the years. Lester Bassett was always there for Dave, whether a lawn needed to be mowed, a driveway shoveled, a ride was needed to or from an appointment, or groceries needed to be picked up and delivered. Lester and Dave were never as successful as they’d hoped in terms of cashing in the top prize in the Connecticut Lottery’s “Win For Life” game, but there was no doubt that these two best friends comprised a winning ticket!
Graveside services with Military Honors will be held Saturday July 10, at 11AM at St. Mary Cemetery, Coventry. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s name to the North Windham Fire Department, 603 Boston Post Road, North Windham, CT 06256, or Paws of Honor, www.pawsofhonor.org. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com.
We thought it would be apt to conclude with a parting comment that Dave always bestowed upon friends when leaving a gathering, a comment that he uttered regardless of what day of the week it was: “Have a nice weekend!” How we’ll miss hearing that.
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Dave’s love of sports went beyond basketball; he was not only a huge fan of the Boston Celtics, the University of Connecticut men’s and women’s basketball teams, he also loved the Boston Red Sox, the New York Giants, and any NFL squad that teamed up to provide him with a winning Super Bowl pool square — for amusement purposes only, of course! He was always willing to offer anyone within earshot his unique brand of sage advice, often punctuated with his dry wit, on any and all topics. He could hold his own in any debate within his circle of friends at the Elk’s Lodge, Franco-American Civic & Social Club, Trolley Pub or the Windham Golf Club, where he was a fairly accomplished golfer back in the day.
Dave is survived by his children; Kenneth Wheeler, Judith Wheeler Baker and Sharon Wheeler, his grandchildren; Vaughn, Marley and Aja Baker, his sisters; Mary Whitehouse and Linda Sypher (whom he adored and honored with regular wine and treat deliveries). He also had many adoring nieces and nephews, including Michael Sypher and Kathleen Sypher Johnson, with whom he shared holiday meals, and notably always enjoyed the biggest servings of turnips.
Leaving behind many friends, his family would like to recognize a very special friend who served as Dave’s wingman over the years. Lester Bassett was always there for Dave, whether a lawn needed to be mowed, a driveway shoveled, a ride was needed to or from an appointment, or groceries needed to be picked up and delivered. Lester and Dave were never as successful as they’d hoped in terms of cashing in the top prize in the Connecticut Lottery’s “Win For Life” game, but there was no doubt that these two best friends comprised a winning ticket!
Graveside services with Military Honors will be held Saturday July 10, at 11AM at St. Mary Cemetery, Coventry. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s name to the North Windham Fire Department, 603 Boston Post Road, North Windham, CT 06256, or Paws of Honor, www.pawsofhonor.org. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com.
We thought it would be apt to conclude with a parting comment that Dave always bestowed upon friends when leaving a gathering, a comment that he uttered regardless of what day of the week it was: “Have a nice weekend!” How we’ll miss hearing that.
To plant a tree in memory of David Dennison Wheeler, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Graveside
Saturday
10
Jul
11:00 AM
- 11:30 AM
St. Mary Cemetery
386 Main St
Coventry, CT 06238
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