North Egremont — Mr. Roland B. Wheeler, 94, of Prospect Lake Road died November 4, 2015.
Born and raised in Egremont, Massachusetts, on September 15, 1921, he was the son of the late Ralph and Gladys Brewer Wheeler. He attended Egremont schools and graduated from the former Searles High School in Great Barrington, Mass.
He served in WWII, stationed in England with the 8th Army Air Corp from 1942 – 1945, receiving a Good Conduct Medal and a Campaign Ribbon with 6 Battle Stars.
He attended NYA Trades School in Spencer, Mass.
Roland was employed as an electrician by Harland B. Foster, Inc. from 1945 until 1980. He continued his career working for out-of-state locals until his retirement. He was a member of local 284 IBEW and the North Egremont Baptist Church. Since 1952 he was an Egremont Volunteer Fireman.
Roland is survived by his three loving children, Kevin Wheeler and wife, Dian, Airlie Ohman and husband Leonard, all of North Egremont, and Dona Kellogg and husband Jerry, of Barefoot Bay, Fla.; two special grandchildren Karena Gardino, and Patrick Nilson and wife Mindy, and their children, Hailey and Savanah; one great granddaughter “Grampy’s honey” Madison Gardino, his sister Ruth Avenia, his aunt Hazel Brewer and many caring cousins, nephews and nieces.
He was predeceased by his wife, May Slater Wheeler, whom he married May 13, 1950; his brother Ralph Wheeler; sisters Constance Lockenwitz and Mary Salisbury and granddaughter Deanna Nilson.
The Wheeler family would like to thank his many kind caregivers.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 7 at 11 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery, Route 71, North Egremont, conducted by Rev. Charles VanAusdall. A reception will follow the service at the North Egremont Fire Station on Route 71.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Egremont Volunteer Fire Department or HospiceCare in the Berkshires through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family or sign the guestbook go to www.finnertyandstevens.com
