Richard Dean Wheeler, 94, of Naples, FL, died on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at home surrounded by his family. He was born December 19, 1924, in Webb City, MO; son of the late Virgil Wheeler and Monica (Hoback) Wheeler. Richard was a member of the VFW, UCLA Alumni, Gourmet Club (founder), Encore Club (co-founder), Friends of the Simsbury Public library, Tile council of North America (board of directors) and North American Brick Distributors Association. He graduated from UCLA in 1947 with Two Bachelor Degrees. After graduation, he served as a Lieutenant for the Navy in the south seas during the aftermath of WWII. Richard was a successful businessman as Owner and President of KF Brick company in South Windsor, CT. After Retirement he volunteered at the International Executive Service Corps Where he helped build brick factories and streamline production at manufacturing facilities all over the world. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, cooking, spy novels, John Wayne movies and musicals. He was an avid traveler; for pleasure and with his wife for the International Executive Service Corps. Most of all he enjoyed sharing meals with family and taking care of business.
Richard is survived by his brother Robert Wheeler; three children, Steven Wheeler and his wife Teresa of Monterey, CA, Nancy Girardin of Reno, NV, and Jeffrey Wheeler and his wife Sandy of Simsbury, CT; grandchildren, Jennifer Barrell (and husband Duncan Fong), Julie Girardin, Amanda Michalek (and husband Seth), Christine Wheeler, Samantha Topor (and husband Chris), Richard Wheeler, Ashley Greenbaum, Jeffrey Wheeler, Jr., David Girardin, Jr., Charlie Wheeler, Zachary Morawski, Morgan Castrogiovanni (and husband Max); great grandchildren, Sophie and Charlotte Fong, Jeffrey Troy Wheeler, Brendan and Darion Claussel, Juelien, Jaleen, and Janaysa Jackson, Isobella and Max Castrogiovanni, Ashlyn Hazen, and Jackson Montgomery Topor. Richard was predeceased by his brother, Fred Wheeler, his wife, Ivajean (Breitwieser)Wheeler and daughter Catherine Greenbaum.
Relatives and friends may join the family for calling hours on Saturday, January 19th from 9-10 am at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, closing with a memorial service at 10:00 am. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Please visit Richard’s Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.