Center Barnstead, NH – Raymond Alfred Wheeler, born May 30, 1943, in Marlboro, MA, passed away on Sunday November 12th at his home in Center Barnstead, NH after a long battle with Agent Orange. He was the son of Lloyd and Thelma (Vaillancourt) Wheeler of Marlboro and Hudson, who predeceased him.
He was predeceased by his grandparents Elizabeth Mae (Baker) Vaillancourt, Florida Gour, Lloyd Howe Wheeler and Eleanor Jones Wheeler. He was also predeceased by his daughter Laurie Ann and his sister Shirley.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years Marie Lorraine (Daniels) Wheeler formerly of Marlboro, MA., daughter Lisa Marie Wheeler Finnegan, son Steven Paul Wheeler, daughter-in-law Kimberly Stratton, and one grandson Aydin Leon Wheeler of Center Barnstead, NH. He is also survived by his brother David and Linda Wheeler of Center Barnstead, NH, his sister Betty Correa of Gardner, MA, many nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.
Attended elementary school at Hudson Catholic school and Harriman elementary. Graduated from Hudson High School in 1961, attended MIT in Cambridge, MA, received a degree from Chicago Tech, took College courses while in the military, and received three AA degrees from Carroll Community College, Westminster, MD. Received pilot’s license in Chanute AFB Illinois.
Before entering the Military, he worked at Ceasar’s of Monticello’s in Framingham MA and Raytheon in Sudbury and Waltham MA.
Entered the military in January 1965. He served 20 years in the United States Air Force including 2 tours in Vietnam. He retired in August 1985. He worked at Westinghouse in MD. He then worked for Social Security in Baltimore, MD where he retired in 2010.
He spent his younger years skating at Lyonhurst Roller Rink in Marlboro, MA. Competed at many other rinks and made Nationals three years. He enjoyed snorkeling and golfing in Okinawa and was an avid racquetball player. He also enjoyed golfing with his children and grandson and for Military charity events over the years.
He was a life member of the VFW. He belongs to the DAV and the American Legion Post 72 Alton, NH.
He retired to New Hampshire in 2010 where he enjoyed working in the yard and playing with his grandson.
Visiting hours for Raymond will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 3:00-6:00pm at the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Pleasant Street, Marlborough, MA, 01752.
Ray loved looking at trees. The family would like to offer in lieu of flowers the option to plant a tree in Ray’s memory.
