Gerald Wheeler

ANCRAMDALE — Gerald Wheeler, 88, a lifelong area resident, died peacefully on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at Sharon Hospital in Sharon. Mr. Wheeler worked for The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville. He retired as the Supervisor of Housekeeping following a 46-year career at Hotchkiss, where he was loved and respected by the faculty and the students.

Born July 21, 1936 in Sharon, he was the son of the late John Henry and Margaret (Hanley) Wheeler. He was a graduate of Webutuck High School in Amenia. On March 11, 1956, in Millerton, he married the love of his life, Augusta Lee Hoyt. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler shared over 59-years of marriage. Mrs. Wheeler passed away on Jan. 25, 2015.

Mr. Wheeler was an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his life. He enjoyed driving in the stock car races at Lebanon Valley Speedway in West Lebanon, New York, and driving in the drag races at the Dover Drag Strip in Wingdale, New York for many years.

In his spare time, he liked gardening and tending to lawn work at home with his beloved wife. For several years he was a parishioner at St. Patrick’s Church in Millerton and was also affiliated with the Dutch Reform Church in Gallatin, New York.

Mr. Wheeler is survived by two sons, Richard Wheeler and his partner JeneferShute of Germantown, New York, and John Wheeler and his wife Dana of Millerton; five grandchildren, Kae, Sean, Timothy, Nicole and Adam; four great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, and many friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Wheeler was predeceased by his son, Gerald Wheeler, and his grandson, Andrew Wheeler and three siblings.

Calling hours were held on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, New York, 12546. A funeral service took place on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial followed at Irondale Cemetery in Millerton. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Multiple Sclerosis Society or to ALS United of Greater New York. To send an online condolence to the family, flowers to the service or to plant a tree in Mr. Wheeler’s memory please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com

Latest News

Cornwall saxophone sensation goes viral

Donald Polk, right, performed “Flight of the Bumblebee” at Cornwall Consolidated School’s winter concert. A video posted online by his mother has garnered millions of views.

Photo by Tamara Polk

CORNWALL — Donald Polk, an eighth grader at Cornwall Consolidated School, had only been playing alto saxophone for two years when he performed the notoriously challenging “Flight of the Bumblebee” at his school’s Winter Holiday Concert. His mother, Tamara Polk, posted a recording of the performance to TikTok, not expecting that Donald’s audience would quickly come to outsize that of a school auditorium.

When The Lakeville Journal interviewed Polk Saturday, Dec. 21, the young musician’s scorching saxophone solo had accrued more than 1.7 million views, 360,000 likes, and 2,500 comments.

Keep ReadingShow less
Paul Winter to celebrate the winter solstice at Saint James Place

The Paul Winter Consort will perform at St. James Cathedral in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Saturday, Dec. 21.

Photo by Matthew Muise

Seven-time Grammy winning saxophonist Paul Winter, with the Paul Winter Consort, will return to celebrate the Winter Solstice on Saturday, Dec. 21, with sold out shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Saint James Place, 352 Main St., Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

A uniquely intimate solstice celebration, in contrast to the large-scale productions done for many years in the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York, it promises to deliver everything audiences have come to love and expect.

Keep ReadingShow less
Developers withdraw application to expand Wake Robin Inn

Wake Robin Inn is located on Sharon Road in Lakeville.

Photo by John Coston

LAKEVILLE — Aradev LLC has withdrawn its application to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a special permit to redevelop the Wake Robin Inn.

In a letter submitted to P&Z Chair Michael Klemens on the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 17, law outfit Mackey, Butts & Whalen LLP announced its client’s withdrawal.

Keep ReadingShow less
North Canaan antique mall fills resale niche

The 403 Group is located at 403 Ashley Falls Road, where the old This N’ That for Habitat used to be.

Photo by Robin Roraback

NORTH CANAAN — The 403 Group Antique Market is “A hidden secret, a little off the beaten path, but worth the drive,” said Carey Field, who has a booth called “Wild Turkey” there.

“It’s a really fun group of dealers,” Field said. “A really eclectic group of antiques and the prices are reasonable.”

Keep ReadingShow less