Richard F. Wheeler
03/08/1931 – 09/05/2016
Richard F. Wheeler of Princeton passed away at his home of 57 years on Labor Day, September 5, 2016 after an illness. He was born March 8, 1931 in Leominister, MA. He was the son of the late Eva (Richardson) and Clarence Wheeler.
He leaves behind his wife of 65 years,Nancy E. (Tuttle) Wheeler and nine children. Wendy Kaylor of Warsaw, IN, Beth Copeland of Flagstaff, AZ, Jeffrey Wheeler of Windham,VT, Denise Webb of Binghamton, NY, Richard F. Wheeler Jr. of Jaffrey, NH, Douglas Wheeler of Templeton, MA, Stephanie Henrich of Princeton, MA, Michael Wheeler of Somersworth, NH and Dana Wheeler of Princeton, MA. He also leaves 21 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
He worked as a lineman for many years for Holden Light Dept and ending his career as manager at Princeton Municipal Light Dept after 28 years. During his time at PMLD he was the driving force behind Princeton becoming the first municipality in the state to utilize wind power. His legacy lives on at the Richard F. Wheeler Memorial Wind site. After retirement he worked for Page Electric, Sigler Machine Shop, and then the Town of Princeton Cemetery Department. Mr. Wheeler was also a member of the Princeton Fire Department for 19 years, before retiring as Captain.
When he wasn't working, he enjoyed building and flying his model airplanes as a member of the Quinapoxet Model Airplane Club. He also was an avid hiker, enjoyed traveling, golfing, cross country skiing and loved gardening.
Mr. Wheeler donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Foundation at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. A small celebration of life will be planned in the future. Condolences may be sent to the home address. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Princeton Fire Firefighters/EMT Association P.O. Box 37 Princeton, MA 01541.