William E. Wheaton, II

William E. Wheaton, II, 95, of Cheshire, formerly of Meriden, loving husband of Jean (Scott) Wheaton, passed away on April 11, 2024, at Midstate Medical Center. He was born in Putnam, CT on September 15, 1928, and was known as “Bucky” to his friends and family. He was the son of the late William and Helen (Brigham) Wheaton. Besides his wife Jean, Bill is survived by his sons, William Edgar Wheaton, III and his wife Lauren, and Scott Hoyt Wheaton and his wife Susan, his daughter, Robin Rosenblum and her husband Jeffrey, along with his beloved grandchildren Jennifer, Nicole, Sarah, Rachel, and Paul Wheaton, and Emma and Zachary Rosenblum, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. He was predeceased by five brothers and a sister — Paul, Roswell, Harry, Phillip, and Bobby Wheaton, and Elizabeth Prestley.

After receiving his Doctorate in Optometry, Bill served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, he relocated to Meriden, where he practiced optometry for nearly forty years. He worked with Dr. Graham until he took over the practice for the next thirty-five years. Upon retirement, Bill passed the practice on to Dr. Nielson.

Bill served in many civic organizations. He was a deacon and trustee of First Congregational Church, a mason of the Valley Lodge No. 36 of Simsbury, a member of the Sphinx Shriners of Newington, a charter member of Civitan Club of Meriden, and a charter member of the Y’s Men of Meriden as well as their first president. Boy Scouts was one of his greatest passions. He was the Master of Troop 10 for over 25 years and awarded the Silver Beaver for distinguished service to the scouting community.

Bill was also an avid sportsman who enjoyed golf, tennis, skiing, sailing, bowling, hunting, and fishing. He was the Meriden City Champion and New England Champion in racquetball. He was a five-time sailing champion at his beloved Lake Alexander. A man of many talents, Bill was a great dancer, gardener, and craftsman. His early years at Wheaton Lumber afforded him great skill and passion in woodworking and carpentry.

Most importantly, Bill loved his wife and family immensely. He put them first and his time with his grandchildren at Lake Alexander provided him great joy. He was a man of the highest integrity and was generous to all.  He lived life to the fullest and always had a smile on his face to his last day.

A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held on June 15th at 11 AM in the Nelson Hall Auditorium at Elim Park, 150 Cook Hill Rd., Cheshire, CT 06410. His interment will be privately held at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital.