William R. Wheeler

WHEELER, William R. "Bill"Of Elmira, NYWas born April 14, 1947 in Elmira, the son of the late Roger and Mary (Griff) Wheeler passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2015 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre at the age of 68. He is survived by his loving wife Rebecca; daughters and son-in-laws: Erin and Tom McElligott of Boston, MA; Kelly and Jeff Cook of Horseheads, NY; daughter: Christina Wheeler of Horseheads, NY; son: Kevin (Diana) Wheeler of Wasilla, AK; grandchildren: Tommy and Sophie McElligott; Kaylyn and Jordan Cook; Gabriel and Seamus Wheeler; siblings: Tom (Carla) Wheeler of Arvada, CO; Kathy (Jim) Dennison of Elmira, NY; Roxanne (Mike) Sullivan of Elmira, NY; mother-in-law: Josephine Ficchi of Horseheads, NY; Bill's in-laws: Roseanna Stowits of Denver, CO; Mark (Marilyn) Shaffer of Athens, PA; Bridget (Skip) Dudla of Saratoga Springs, NY; along with much loved nieces, nephews and their families; aunts, uncles, cousins and the Brotherhood at Local # 709. Bill started his career with the Elmira Fire Department in 1974 retiring as Fire Marshal in 2012. From 1965 to 1974 he was a bricklayer withthe Local # 23 International Bricklayers and Masons Union. He was also an instructor for Fire Science at Corning Community College and Jefferson Community College. He was also a faithful communicant at St. Mary's Church. Bill loved spending time with his grandkids and he enjoyed fishing, spending time on Seneca Lake and traveling. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Thursday, July 2, 2015 from 1:00 to 3:00 and 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church 224 Franklin Street Elmira. The Reverend John DeSocio will celebrate the Mass. Interment will follow in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation PO Drawer 498 Emmitsburg, MD 21727. Bill's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com