Richard Horace Wheeler, 85, of Ledyard died on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Harriet (Atwood) Wheeler who died in 2018.
Richard was born in New London on February 27, 1938, the son of John H. and Anna (Rippel) Wheeler. He grew up in Mystic and graduated from Fitch High School, first class of 1956. He met his wife, Harriet V. Atwood, and they were married in 1957. They eventually settled in Ledyard where they raised their family.
Richard worked for 42 years as Senior Designer/Supervisor in the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics, retiring in 2003. He served for 4 years in the Army National Guard, followed by 4 more years of service with the Air National Guard. Richard also served as a Ledyard Constable from 1967 to 1973. He was an avid bowler and golfer and competed in leagues.
In his retirement, he always kept busy doing landscaping and being caretaker of an estate in Stonington.
Richard is survived by his 5 children, Charlene Saunders and her husband Romaine of Canterbury, Richard Wheeler and his wife Lynda of Sterling, Kimberly Campo and her husband Joe of North Stonington, Jeffrey Wheeler and his partner Cathey of Preston, and Steven Wheeler and his wife Angela of East Lyme, as well as by 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Richard is also survived by his brother, Robert Wheeler of Ledyard.
In addition to his wife, Harriet, he is predeceased by his grandson, Justin Saunders.
Richard's family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, July 10, from 4 to 7pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, July 11, at 10:00am at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic.
The family would like to thank Hospice of SECT in Norwich and Sharie Gray and her staff for their compassionate care and kindness.