John J. Wheeler

Latham- John Joseph "Jack" Wheeler, 89, of Latham peacefully passed from this earth on October 27, 2018 enveloped in the love of his family.

Born in Albany on November 14, 1928, he was the son of the late George and Adele (Barton) Wheeler.

Jack attended St. James School in Albany and went on to graduate from the Vincentian Institute (VI) in 1946. Immediately following his graduation from VI, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea before being honorably discharged in 1948. Returning to Albany following his tour of duty, Jack married Carole Turner.

Jack embraced the ideals of hard work, family, and community. He began working for the State of New York as a clerk. Realizing that a higher education was necessary and with the dedicated support of Carole, he began evening studies at Siena College and graduated with a B.S. in Economics. He accomplished this while working a full time job with the State, a part-time job at Western Auto, and raising a young family. He then went on to rise higher in the ranks of the New York State bureaucracy working in the Departments of Civil Service, Education, and Higher Education Services Corporation. While working Jack was instrumental in establishing the New York State Employees' Health Insurance Program. After the program was established, he traveled about the State to expand the program to local governments. Following this Jack went on to be instrumental in the establishment of the New York State Employees' Health Services Program. After his retirement from the State he managed cemeteries for the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese. Jack served for many years on the Board of Directors of SEFCU and was President of the Board for a number of years. He was also on the Board of Directors for the Retired Public Employees Association.

Most important to Jack was his family. As his children grew in age and interests he was a Little League baseball coach, worked on various church/school committees, was a Cub Scout Leader, Boy Scout Leader, supported his daughters' Girl Scout programs, taught religious studies, attended/chaperoned school field trips, attended school athletic contests, and was always available when his family needed him. Family activity came before anything else. After his own children matured, he continued attending plays, performances, and athletic events for his grandchildren while he was able. But his greatest joy was having everyone gathered at "Papa's Lake."

In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by a grandson, Aidan Wheeler.

Jack is survived by his wife, Carole; two daughters, Joanne (Edmund) Calvaruso of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Marybeth (George) Tate of St. Stephens Church, Virginia. He is survived by four sons, John Wheeler, Jr. (Albany), Richard Wheeler (Salem, NY), Gregory (Janet) Wheeler of Clifton Park and Matthew (Susann) Wheeler of Albany. He is also survived by a brother, Ronald (Patricia) Wheeler of Albany; and grandchildren Timothy Wheeler, Francine Calvaruso, Amber Smith, Heather (Jonathan) Fryer, Kayla Wheeler, Colleen Wheeler, Nathaniel Wheeler, and Alexander Wheeler; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Boulevard, Rensselaer, NY, 12144 or to the Ronald McDonald House online at, rmhcny.org/donate

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 from 3:00pm-5:00pm at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, New York 12189. Sharing of memories will begin at 5:00pm.