Robert P. Wheeler, Jr., 78, of Boothbay Harbor, died Oct. 31 at St. Andrews Hospital in Boothbay Harbor.
He was born Sept. 8, 1931, in Lewiston, the son of Robert P. Wheeler, Sr. and Alice LaFleur Wheeler.
He grew up in Auburn, graduating from Edward Little High School, the class of 1949. He continued his education, graduating from the University of Maine at Orono with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1953.
He signed up for the draft and served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He returned home to attend Massachusetts College of Pharmacy graduating, class of 1959.
His first job as a pharmacist was at Hassen’s Drug Store in Fairfield where he met Patricia Chase. They were married in June 1962.
In 1964, six months after their twin daughters were born, he accepted a pharmacy position in Boothbay Harbor. He later purchased that pharmacy, naming it Wheeler’s Corner Drug Store, where he served his community until retirement in 1999.
He was an active member of Our Lady Queen of Peace serving as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and founding member of the local chapter of The Knights of Columbus. He was an avid swimming and mystery reader. He enjoyed watching and cheering for his children and grandchildren at their sporting events, traveling with his wife, family and friends, and also hosting many holiday events in the family home.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia C. Wheeler of Boothbay Harbor; daughters, Patrice Carter and husband John of Edgecomb, Roberta Knapp and friend Colin of Rockland; sons, Robert Wheeler, III and wife Sandra of Boothbay, Christopher Wheeler and wife Michelle of Lisbon; and grandchildren, Christopher Wheeler, Jr. of Henderson, Nev., Erinn Chipman of Edgecomb, Samuel Chipman of Edgecomb, Caroline Knapp of East Boothbay, Jaime Wheeler of Boothbay, and Hayley Wheeler of Lisbon.
Friends are invited to gather with the family 6-8 p.m., Tues., Nov. 3 at the Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay. Mass of Christian burial 11 a.m. Wed., Nov. 4 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Boothbay Harbor. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Boothbay.
Contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, 4 Oak St., Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538; the Boothbay Region Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 280, Boothbay, ME 04537; or any other charity of choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Boothbay.
