Berlin, MA
Donald B. Wheeler, 76, of Berlin, died Saturday, Sept. 24th at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Northboro. He leaves his wife of 56 years, Sylvia (Tervo) Wheeler of Berlin.
Born in Marlboro and raised in Berlin, son of the late Earle A. and Hazel (Brewer) Wheeler, he attended local schools and was a 1952 graduate of Worcester Boy’s Trade School. Donald resided in Berlin his whole life and at age 13 began working with his father as a mechanic at the family business, Wheeler’s Garage in Berlin. He has owned the business since 1971 and operated the business until his retirement from the day to day operations of the garage. Donald was a member of the First Parish Church in Berlin, member of the Mason’s Lodge for fifty plus years, a member of the Clinton Lodge of Elks, Berlin Board of Trade and member of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Dept. He was a founding member of the Berlin Rescue Squad.
Besides his passion for the automotive industry, NASCAR racing and hunting, he loved fishing the waters around Martha’s Vineyard. He will be remembered for the love and joy he brought to his family and friends throughout his life.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his five children, Claire Pond and her husband Kevin of Berlin, Robert L. Wheeler and his wife Beverly of Berlin, Crystal Rice and her husband Robert of Ashland, Patricia J. Lichwell and her husband David of Berlin and James R. Wheeler of Berlin. He is also survived by his sister, Dora Cummings of Berlin; his brother, Norman J. Wheeler of Harvard; seven grandchildren, Meggan and Mollie Wheeler, Felicia and Ashley Wheeler, Kyle and Patrick Lichwell and Bobby Rice; his great granddaughter, Alyssa Goulet and his many nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins.
A graveside service will be held in North Cemetery, Highland Street, Berlin on Saturday, Oct. 15th at 11:00 a.m. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mr. Wheeler may be made to: The Berlin Rescue Squad or The Berlin Fire Dept., 23 Linden Street, Berlin, MA 01503.