1942 - 2015
Visitation
November 3, 20154:00 - 7:00 PM
Dolan Funeral Home
No Funeral Date Scheduled
Richard M. (Dick) Wheeler, 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 31, 2015, at Lowell General Hospital, surrounded by his immediate family and close friends.
Born in Lowell, Dick was the son of the late Charles F. and Dorothy A. Wheeler. After graduating from Lowell High School, Dick joined his grandfather for a brief stint in the real estate business. A member of the Elks, he was also a veteran of the U. S. Army National Guard. He entered the business of selling cars in 1964 and became the proud owner of Chelmsford Auto Sales in 1982. Selling cars became his livelihood—and his passion—for more than five decades, and he was one of the best. He will be remembered for his integrity, dry wit and ability to make others smile. An ardent animal lover, he enjoyed fishing, reading, New England summers and the Florida sunshine.
Dick leaves his beloved wife of forty-seven years, Judith (Stone) Wheeler; his sister, Charlene Torla of Lowell; two nieces, Suzanne Hall of Dracut, her husband Arthur, and their son Jeff of Natick, and Jill Torla of Lowell; his mother-in-law, Mary Frances Stone of Naples, FL; his sister-in-law, Valerie (Stone) Taloni and her husband, Adam, of Bonita Springs, FL; many cousins, colleagues and friends.
Dick will be greatly missed. His family would be thrilled if everyone who knew him would perform a random act of kindness in his name.
Visiting hours Tues. 4 to 7 P.M. at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, MA immediately followed by a Celebration of Dick’s Life at the Princeton Station Restaurant, 147 Princeton St. N. Chelmsford, MA. A private burial will be in the Lowell Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made in his name to the Boston Children’s Hospital (childrenshospital.org) or OperationDeltaDog.org. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
BOB AND MARION BARIL
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JUDY OUR THOUGH AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY,RICHARD[DICK] WILL BE MISSED
Pat Conrad
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Judy,
I was sorry to read the obituary for Dick. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Pat and Dave Conrad
Bruce and Liz Hulslander
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Oh, Judy, you know that Dick’s passing just breaks our hearts. Loving thoughts and prayers for you at this difficult time. Love you, Bruce and Liz
Arthur Stickney
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I am so saddened to learn of Dickie’s passing. We were only a few weeks apart in age. I remember, as kids, the fun we had wrestling on that big back lawn of 599 School Street. Over the years, he always was incredibly friendly and generous to me. I wish you the best, Judy.
Art Stickney
Jim Marshall
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He will be remembered for his integrity, is resonating in my mind after reading this as it was written so eloquently. Richard ( DICK ) was a mentor to me in the business for over 25 years, he had a disposition that set the tone that made everyone comfortable and relaxed. I enjoyed our morning meetings over breakfast in Vinal Square, he always had a positive uptick that set a pace for the day. Honest, passionate, and empathetic.. only start the introduction if you want to describe Dick. Thank You for befriending me. My condolences to Judy and family
Michelle Boucher
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Judy,
It absolutely breaks my heart that I will not get to see Dick’s smiling face on Thursday’s. He was such a kind and generous man and he will be greatly missed. It was an honor knowing him. My heart goes out to you and your entire family.
Carol and Gene
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Judy, my dearest new friend, I was so shock to hear about Dick’s passing. The real sadness is that the four of us didn’t get together sooner. My prayers are with you knowing that you are truly a strong person and have many friends that will help you with this sadness.
Jim Smith
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Dick had the greatest handshake I looked forward to seeing Dick every week for 25 years buying and selling cars. But especially shaking his hand. I always said Dickie good to see you and he would say Jimmy the pleasure is all mine. I will miss that handshake the friendly embrace, smile and often a joke. I was truly blessed to have known Dickie that’s what I called him and the pleasure was truly all mine.
Mickey
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Judy I am so sorry to hear about Dick’s passing, my thought’s and prayers are with you as you go through the difficult day’s ahead.
Ray ( Gus ) Dugas
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Judy and Charlene,
Sorry for your loss. Just found out, wish I could have been there to share in celebration of Dickie’s life. So many times, so many memories. Walking home from the Daley school one day, Dick gave me the nickname Gus that has followed me all my life. He was always giving and asking nothing in return. He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. He was a brother to me!
Gus, Summerfield FL.