Thomas L. Wheeler, Jr. was born in Brooklyn, New York August 1, 1939. The family settled in Pleasantville, NY where he worked as a newsboy and grocery clerk while attending Pleasantville high. After graduating high school in 1958, Tom joined the US Navy on a “Kiddie Cruise”. He received his training in New London, CT where he was then assigned to the USS Pomodon (SS 486) as an engineman. His submarine adventure began in San Diego CA , through the Pacific ocean en route to Taiwan and Japan. He was honorably discharged as an EN2(SS), USNR in July 1963.
After graduating from Rutgers University he was hired by Ford Motor Company. He later joined Ford Tractor which included assignments in Canada, England and 2 tours in Brazil. During his time at Ford he received a Masters degree from Central Michigan University. He retired from Ford in 1995 and then accepted a position with Dohler Jarvis where he worked until 1999.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas L. Wheeler, Sr. and Elsie Brymer Wheeler, and his brother Alan Wheeler.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 61 years Barbara (nee Chmura), son James (Kim) Wheeler, daughter Beth Ann (Evan) Gazley, grandchildren Cameron (Allie) Wheeler, Emily and Julia Wheeler, Morgan and Jenna Gazley, great grandchildren Henry Richard Wheeler and Charlotte May Schmitter.
