Joseph T. Wheelin, 77, of Palm Bay, FL, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, at The Palms Rehabilation and Healthcare Center in Palm Bay after a long battle with cancer.
Joe was born in Oneida, N.Y. on Sept. 25, 1943, son of Grant T. and Kathleen E Wheelin. Joe was raised in Cazenovia and attended Cazenovia Central School where he enjoyed sports, especially track and field and wrestling.
Joe was a very proud veteran. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1961, and served for four years. He continued his service with the V.F.W., the American legion, the Eagles, and the Moose, all of Palm Bay. He served many years in the Chittenango Fire Department, where he was fire captain and assistant chief. He served as chief in 1972. He also was one of the first EMTs in Madison County.
Joe worked for many years for Rockwell on Cape Canaveral as a supervisor in hydraulics. He retired from Don Bo Concrete Company.
Joe is survived by his daughter Rebecca Wheelin, Palm Bay, FL, and his son Joseph,Wheelin, Jr., of North Carolina, four brothers, Jim (Ann), Cape Cod, MA, Will (Theresa), Vernon, N.Y., Edward (Darlene), Delphi Falls, N.Y., Steve (Michelle), Siler City, N.C., and his sister Margaret, Kingman, AZ. He also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his dear friends Bob and Sandy Smith. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Sandra and his brother John.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. He will be buried with his wife at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, Palm Bay, FL.
