Robert F. "Bob" Wheeler's Obituary
Robert F. “Bob” Wheeler was born on May 16, 1936 to Francis and Genevieve Wheeler in Fulton, NY. He was the second of three children and grew up in Central NY. Bob joined the military at age 18, where he honorably served until age 24, when he married his beloved wife, Charlotte (Graefe) in Maryland before settling back in Central NY to start his career and raise his family.
Bob was a salesman through and through and found his calling as a Regional Sales Manager working for Bristol Myers Squibb and later Gillette, from where he retired at age 70. Even after retiring, Bob loved creating connections with people. He would ask the name of every cashier at check out and chat at length with servers, waitstaff and managers at restaurants, always putting folks at ease. It was a gift.
As his children grew, Bob was an avid supporter of their pursuits, becoming active in the community as a long-time coach for the Pop Warner Football program, as well as manning the gate at the local BMX track. Those who raced at the time will remember his calm and steady cue: “Wheels on the gate…Riders ready…Watch the lights”.
Bob loved playing golf and in better times could often be found on the links with his children or youngest grandson. He had an eye for and collected watches, loved fashion in his younger days and was a heck of a dancer. If there was music, he was on the dance floor cutting a rug with his wife. It is rumored that he had a beautiful singing voice, but few outside his immediate family have ever heard him sing.
Bob passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2025 and will be missed deeply and greatly by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Charlotte (Graefe), his younger brother Bill, his five children: Michael (Terry), Diane, Dan, Steven (Lyndy) and Deidra (Keith), five grandchildren: Kaisch (Christina), Shay, Yuna, Indigo and Raven and two great-grandchildren: Braiden and Noah.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Joan Wheeler and his grandson, Jonah Wheeler.
A private memorial service will be held for family on Thursday, January 9, 2025. He will be laid to rest with Military Honors in the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Food Bank of CNY, 7066 Interstate Island Road, Syracuse, NY 13209.
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