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
The HVRHS boys rejoice around Jackson McAvoy after he scored the game-winning goal against Shepaug with just two minutes left to play.
WASHINGTON — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys varsity soccer team advanced to the Berkshire League tournament final after a 1-0 win over Shepaug Valley High School in the semifinal game on Friday, Oct. 24.
Jackson McAvoy scored the game-winning goal with just two minutes remaining.
The victory marked HVRHS boys soccer’s first victory over Shepaug since 2020.
“Finally,” said HVRHS Coach Adolfo Portillo after the game.
HVRHS will play top-ranked Nonnewaug High School in the BL final. Nonnewaug advanced to the title game by beating Northwestern Regional High School in penalty kicks (4-3) after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
The championship game will be played at Nonnewaug beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28.

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Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.
As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.
Spirit week from Oct. 14-17 was unlike those of the previous years. From wearing Housatonic merch to Boomer vs Baby day, this year’s spirit week held a little friendly competition to see which grade could participate the most.
“I think that students are bored of the same old activities and events, so it’s good to switch things up even slightly to incentivize interest within students,” said SGA president and senior Mollie Ford. “Plus the point system is super beneficial because it gives students a reason to participate.”
The school spirit sentiment can be seen outside of just the school. Senior Simon Markow is known for his photography throughout the community, and has dedicated time to help Housy sports teams’ social media posts.
“Since I’ve started photography, I think school attendance [at sports games] has gone up,” Markow said. “I feel this year, students will be more aware of games and are more likely to be at the games.”
Whether it’s a pink-out volleyball game or an under the lights soccer match, it’s likely you’ll see some familiar faces.
Social media has played a large role in this over the years. Almost every student organization at Housatonic has an Instagram account, and it’s helped reach students more efficiently than a poster or email would.
“The increase of social media use, with the help from me but as well as the teams themselves has definitely increased student interest,” Markow said. “With Housy teams posting more about their upcoming games, and my help showing the cool goals, spikes, or touchdowns, it’s enlightened students to watch the games themselves.”
In a small school, promoting pride has proven to be a challenge. But this year’s senior class has made some adjustments in the hopes to change that.
“The SGA community has spent the last few years really focusing on student participation, because we think it’s the students who contribute to a better climate,” Ford said. While Housatonic’s student body may be small in size, it seems they certainly aren’t small in spirit.