Obituary of Robert Wheeler

ROBERT I. WHEELER Robert "Bob" Wheeler, whose ancestral roots extend back to the Mayflower, died peacefully on September 1, 2014 at the VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach, FL. Born in Brockton, MA, Bob spent much of his childhood in the San Francisco Bay Area City of Burlingame a neighborhood he remembered fondly throughout his life. He later moved to Queens, NY where he met and married his wife, Betty Trainor, who survives him and with whom he was about to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. Bob is also survived by his loving children, Scott Wheeler of Barefoot Bay, FL, Carole Russo of Garden City, NY and Barbara Arms (Ken) of Ocala, FL; and his only sibling, Edith Baker of West Hempstead, NY. Bob was a devoted grandfather to his granddaughters, Nicole Russo, Jessica Arms, Amanda Arms and Melissa Arms. After serving in the United States Merchant Marine during WWII, Bob joined Trans World Airlines (TWA). While few people ever discover the work they love, Bob did just that and enjoyed a 36 year career with TWA. During the 1950's, Bob was part of a "pioneer" group of TWAers who established the company's international operations throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. During this period, Bob and Betty lived in a number of foreign cities including Bombay and Cairo. Living abroad, Bob and Betty cultivated many lifelong friendships. After retiring from TWA in 1983, Bob and Betty moved to Deerfield Beach, FL before settling in Sebastian, FL in 2002. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2014 at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian. A funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2014 at Strunk Funeral Home with the Rev. Fr. David G. Newhart, Rector, St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church officiating. Interment will be in Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Ft. Lauderdale, FL on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family is grateful for donations in Bob's memory to the VNA Hospice House, 901 37th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960. An online guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com