Joseph T. Wetzler, 80, of Bedford, NH died January 29, 2013 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Quincy, MA on June 4, 1932, the son of Joseph A. and Rose (McDonough) Wetzler. He attended North Quincy (MA) High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Northeastern University in 1955. While at Northeastern he was a member of the university’s basketball team for 4 years, was the team’s MVP for the 1953-1954 season and graduated with a school scoring record.
While also at Northeastern, he was involved with the university’s ROTC program, and later served in the US Army from 1955 to 1957.
Prior to his retirement, Joseph had been employed as a salesman with Mobil Oil Corporation and earned numerous awards and recognitions for his successful career.
Joseph was active in many Bedford Area Civic Groups including the Rotary, Lions Club, and Crimeline. He was a longtime communicant of St. Elizabeth Seton Church.
An avid Boston sports fan, he enjoyed following the Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots. He also enjoyed golf and tennis and loved coaching local youth sports.
Above all else, he will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished time spent with family.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years Marilyn (Monson) Wetzler of Bedford; three daughters, Kara Romanik of San Rafael, CA, Michelle Pelletier and husband Andre Pelletier of Carlsbad, CA, and Kristen Hamill and her husband Gary Hamill of Bedford; eight grandchildren, Kiersten, Cameron, and Griffin Romanik, Jack and Mathew Pelletier, Peter, Marie and Patrick Hamill; one sister, Dorothy Reynolds of Granby, CT; many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Eleanor Gallagher of Quincy, MA.
A memorial Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Friday, February 1, 2013 in St. Joseph Cathedral, Pine St, Manchester. Urn burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NH Alzheimer’s Association, 5 Bedford Farms Drive, Suite 201, Bedford, NH 03110.