Obituary of David A. Wheeler

David A. Wheeler passed on to be with his Lord 12/27/2023 at the Taylor Skilled Nursing Home in the presence of his family.

He was born on January 31,1930 in Buffalo NY to his parents Charles M. and Cleona K. Wheeler.

David graduated from York Central School and he went on to the University College at Geneseo where he graduated in 1952. During those years he became an avid soccer player for Geneseo and as a stand-in goalie for the Rochester Professional Soccer team at the time and was also an avid Glider pilot flying many trips from Harris Hill to the Dansville Airport. Upon graduation he became engaged to his sweetheart Beverly, and they were married August 23, 1952. They then moved to Buffalo NY where David became an Underwriter for the Merchants Insurance Co. and thus began David's Insurance career. After moving to Avon NY David purchased the Edwin Smith Agency in 1961, and they moved their family to Bath NY where they have lived since.  During those years David purchased four more agencies and became involved in many various Community Organizations. He was past President and founding member of the Bath Industrial Development Agency (now known as the Bath Industrial Park), Past President of Bath Rotary Club, Past Commodore of the Keuka Yacht Club, Past Chairman of the Village of Bath Planning Board and a member of the Grievance Board for the Town of Bath. He was also a member of the Bath Elks Club and a 55 year member of the Steuben Lodge #112 of the Masons. Also during his wonderful 93 years of life he enjoyed his passion of sailing in his Star Class sailboat in many regattas around the State and East Coast and Midwest. He was a past NYS Champion and placed 2“ in the 12 District championship and had many fond memories of friends and fun, especially sailing in the Bacardi Cup in Miami FL.

Every winter David was a true and true Notre Dame fan as his blood bled Blue and Gold for the Irish. He and his son, wife and daughter in law made many a trip to South Bend to watch their Irish play. As he said so many times it does not get any better then to spend a fall weekend at Notre Dame cheering his Irish on. I am sure Mom and Dad will be watching every time the Irish play from above with a gentlemans glass of Dungans Dew in one hand and a ND program in the other!

David was predeceased by his love of his life, his wife, of 62 years, Beverly, his parents Charles & Cleona Wheeler and brother Charles M. Wheeler Jr. He is survived by his loving children; sons, Michael (Terry) of Bath and Gary(Lori) of Peoria AZ and daughter Diane of Bath, his sister in law, Carolyn of Cortland; grandchildren, Sierra of Bath, Meagen(Rick) of Ingleside, Jessica(William) of Bath, Sarah Rae of Bath, Nick(Megan) of Orange County CA and Lauren(Dennis) of Peoria AZ and 16 great grandChildren.

At the wishes of the family there will be no calling hours and there will be a private graveside service for the immediate family at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Their monument reads “WE DID IT OUR WAY” and it is so true they did both do it their way!

In lieu of flowers the family wishes any donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Parkinson's Foundation in Rochester NY.