Michael Earl Wells

MILLERTON — Michael Earl Wells, 68, a lifelong Millerton resident died peacefully on May 28, 2016, at Vassar Bros. Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. 

Mr. Wells was a custodian at Salisbury Central School prior to his retirement in 2010. He loved his job but he especially loved all the children he helped throughout his many years at Salisbury.

Born May 12, 1948, in Sharon, he was the son of late Jane (Conklin) and Franklin E. Wells Jr. He was a graduate of Webutuck High School class of 1966 and attended the engineering program at Dutchess Community College. 

Mr. Wells enlisted in the United States Army in May 1967 during the Vietnam War; there, he received advanced electronics training. He was honorably discharged in June 1970. He remained in the United States Army Reserve for nearly two years following his discharge. 

Mr. Wells was an avid reader and enjoyed scuba diving and instructing in the Bahamas for many years. 

He enjoyed researching and following the lives of the soldiers who served in the United States Army and stayed in contact with many of the men who served with his dad during the war. 

He held a private pilot’s license and had an extensive collection of model airplanes and photographs.

A talented musician at heart, he played trumpet in the high school band and guitar in the rock band The Playboys  for many years. He had an extensive music library that he loved to share with his loving family. He also enjoyed Skyping with his great-niece and -nephew on a weekly basis. 

Mr. Wells is survived by his sister, Susan W. Brewer of Millerton; a niece, Kimberly Ford and her husband, Dr. Michael Ford, of Dexter, Mich.; a nephew, Steven Brewer and his wife, Sue, of Ballston Spa, N.Y.; a great-niece and -nephew, Charlotte and Jackson Ford of Dexter; his aunt, Kay Wells of Virginia; and many cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Richard N. Brewer; five uncles; and four aunts.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 9, at 11a.m. at the Millerton Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Zora Cheatham officiating. Burial with full military honors will take place on July 9 at Irondale Cemetery in Millerton. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Northeast/Millerton Library, 75 Main St., Millerton, NY 12546; or the American Cancer Society, 45 Reade Place, Third Floor, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home in Millerton. To send an online condolence, go to www.conklinfuneralhome.com.