John M. Wheeler II

Middletown, NY

John Murray Wheeler II, a resident of Middletown, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the age of 82. He was born on March 1, 1943, in Chicago, IL, to John Murray Wheeler and Celia Weiner Sager.

John earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the State University of New York at New Paltz and his master’s degree from City College of New York. He dedicated over 30 years to teaching at Middletown High School and also taught at SUNY Orange.

 He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Wheeler; his sister, Janine “Gigi” Kelso; his brothers-in-law, Vincent Vigilante, Dan Kelso, Doug Kirby; and sister-in-law Theresa Kirby. Although John did not have children of his own, he cherished his nephews—Frank Vigilante, Vincent Vigilante, Sean Kirby, and Rob Kelso—and his nieces—Carrie Terraferma, Jeanette Kelso, Sarah Kelso, and Caitlin Kirby—dearly. He was always a great example, supporter, and friend to all.

John’s cheerful disposition and uplifting, witty sense of humor—often in the form of “dad jokes”—may have earned a few groans, but they always brought smiles and laughter to those around him. His passions in life, beyond family, cooking, bagpipes, mathematics, and teaching, were people. He loved engaging with others and worked tirelessly to uplift those around him.

John will be deeply missed. The world is a much less friendly place without him. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday January 13, 2026 from 4-7pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd Pine Bush, NY. Funeral Mass will be offered on Wednesday January 14, 2026 at 11am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 2800 Rte 17K, Bullville NY 10915. Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com