Capt. Dennis M. Wheeler, 69, of Middletown, passed away May 16, 2021. Dennis was born to James and Mary Wheeler and raised on Staten Island. He was the youngest of three and was predeceased by his two brothers, James and Robert. He graduated from St. Peter’s Boys High School in 1969 and went on to serve in the United States Navy before pursuing his dream of becoming a harbor pilot.
Capt. Wheeler was past president of the United NY/NJ Sandy Hook Pilots Association until his retirement in 2014 and worked as a pilot for over 40 years where he piloted all types of vessels in the New York and New Jersey Ports. Capt. Wheeler was known as an ambassador for the Port, bringing local humor to fellow captains. He was honored to have received the Transportation 9-11 Medal for meritorious service and sacrifice in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Capt. Wheeler took great pride in the brotherhood he shared with his fellow pilots in the Sandy Hook Pilots Association.
In his retirement, Dennis enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, especially at his “happy place,” his home on Marco Island, Florida. His first love was his family, but being on the water was a close second. He could be found boating, fishing and enjoying the beautiful Florida weather while riding around on his scooter.
Known for his ability to make everyone laugh and loved for his genuine, selfless nature, Dennis has lifelong friends from Staten Island to Marco Island to Middletown and beyond. Anyone who has met him knows he is a character that will not be forgotten.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 43 years, Joanne (Stafford); two daughters, Alison (Wheeler) Margerum and her husband Michael and Erin (Wheeler) Marx and her husband Christopher; and six grandchildren, Christian, James, Theodore, Colin, Vada and Gavin.
He was predeceased by his son, Dennis James “DJ” Wheeler, whom he will finally be reunited with after almost 18 years apart.
Visitation was May 23 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. A Funeral Liturgy was offered May 24 at St. Leo The Great RC Church, Lincroft. Burial followed at Fairview Cemetery in Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the DJ Wheeler Memorial Scholarship Fund through gofundme.com.
The article originally appeared in the May 27 – June 2, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
