William H. Wheeler, Jr.

William Henry Wheeler Jr., formerly of Duxbury, Massachusetts, passed away after a brief illness on his 95th birthday, July 29, 2026. He was born on July 29, 1931, in Akron, Ohio to William H. Wheeler Sr. and Ruth Matthews Wheeler.

Bill was a graduate of Yale University, Class of 1953, and a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He graduated from Naval Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, Rhode Island, and served as a lieutenant during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955.

Following his military service, Bill began his career with Corning Glass Works, moving from Corning, New York, to Seattle, Washington; Chicago, Illinois; back to Corning; and later to Toronto, Ontario, before retiring from corporate life and settling in Duxbury. In 1977, Bill and his wife, Lee, who shared a passion for antiques and, together with a fellow Corning Glass Works associate, co-founded the Eldred Wheeler Furniture Company. Under their leadership, the company became one of America's premier manufacturers of handcrafted 18th-century furniture, earning a national reputation for exceptional quality, historical authenticity, and timeless craftsmanship.

Bill lived a life distinguished by service, leadership, craftsmanship, and unwavering integrity. Described by many as a true gentleman and a loyal friend, he will be remembered for his jovial laugh, sparkling blue eyes, quick wit, and genuine kindness.

To his family, Bill was the paterfamilias—their steadfast patriarch, storyteller, and keeper of the family cannon. The cannon was ceremoniously brought out to mark family gatherings and celebrations with friends, a beloved tradition that occasionally prompted a good-natured visit from the Duxbury Police Department. It was one of the many ways Bill created lasting memories, bringing laughter and joy to generations of family and friends.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Bill found his greatest joy on the water. A lifelong boating enthusiast, he was a longtime active member of the Duxbury Yacht Club and treasured countless days aboard the MV Blue Heron with his beloved "Lovey”, cruising the waters from Maine to Florida and the Abaco Islands with family and friends, creating memories that will last for generations.

Bill was a past trustee of Plimoth Patuxet Museums, a dedicated volunteer with SCORE, where he mentored small business owners, a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, and a longtime member of the Wharf Rats.

Bill was predeceased by his wife, Lydia Dingwell Wheeler; his son-in-law, William A. Burnham Jr.; his brother, Thomas B. Wheeler; and his grandson, Alexander "Bowen" Pinkston.

He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Burnham of Rocky Nook, Massachusetts, and Louise Pinkston (Robert) of Klein, Texas.

Elizabeth's family includes her children and grandchildren: Bates (William) Barley of Woodway, Texas, and their five children; Shore (Celina) Gregory of Somerville, Massachusetts; Hadley (Michael) Reintjes of Prairie Village, Kansas, and their two children; and Cameron (Jack) Roosevelt of Swampscott, Massachusetts, and their three children.

Louise's family includes her children and grandchildren: Hoffman Pinkston; Wheeler (Janie) Pinkston, and their three children; and Lyla Pinkston, and her three children, all of Klein, TX.

Known affectionately as "Grandad" and "Great Grandad," Bill took immense pride in his family and cherished his role as grandfather to eight grandchildren and great-grandfather to sixteen great-grandchildren.

Bill is also survived by his longtime cherished companion and "pal," Nancy Riegel of Duxbury, whose love and steadfast support meant so much to both Bill and his family. Nancy affectionately nicknamed him "Captain," a name that soon became how he was known by family and friends alike.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Robin Wheeler, his nieces, Lisa (Garzie) Soule and Wendy (Lane) MacDonald and their families, all of West Falmouth, Massachusetts.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staffs of The Allerton House and the Hannah B.G. Shaw Home for the compassionate care Bill received during his final years.

A memorial service will be held at The Church of St. John the Evangelist, 410 Washington Street, Duxbury, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to The Parish of St. John the Evangelist, by mail to P.O. Box 2893, Duxbury, MA 02331.

Funeral services provided by MacDonald Funeral and Cremation Care Services of Marshfield.