It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert “Ed” Wheeler, who was born on January 10, 1940, and passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025.
Ed was a proud lifelong member of the Farmington, New York community. For over five decades, his big red barn on Mertensia Road was a familiar sight, where he could often be found welding, creating, or working on tractors. He was always the first to step up and help those around him, selflessly and without hesitation.
Ed had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for making people feel comfortable. He cared deeply about learning the stories of others, even complete strangers, and had a way of showing genuine interest without ever speaking too much about himself. A great storyteller, Ed shared wisdom through his words, his work, and his example. He loved his job, his community, and the many people whose lives he touched.
He shared 54 years on Mertensia Road with his beloved wife, Kathie Wheeler, where together they built a loving family. Ed was a devoted father to Brian Wheeler; Tamara Markese and her husband, Andrew; Randy Wheeler and his wife, Deedee; and Tim Wheeler and his wife, Angela. He took immense pride in his growing family, which includes thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A graduate of Bloomfield High School’s Class of 1958, Ed served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1963. Following his service, he worked as a welder at Eastman Kodak from 1963 until his retirement in 1990.
Ed will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his love of family, and the countless memories he created with those around him.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Honor Flight Rochester in Ed’s memory. Please use this link to donate: https://honorflightrochester.org/donations/ and include “in memory of Ed Wheeler” in the description.
“Poppie” was a fantastic grandfather to all 13 grandkids. He had so much love to give. I remember he would always say “you get prettier and prettier every time I see you!” to all of his granddaughters. I have so many amazing memories with him that I will cherish forever. Knowing Poppie was like being part of a cool kids club. If you knew Mr and Mrs Wheeler, you were cool. Poppie accepted everyone. He would talk to random strangers and next thing you know, that random stranger is a new friend who is having dinner at Noonie and Poppies house. Being his granddaughter was one of my biggest blessings and I am so fortunate to have known such a kind and caring soul. He will truly be missed. Fly high Poppie. You can work on all the John Deere Tractors you want up in heaven. We love you so much 💚💛
A beautiful tribute to Ed. A life well lived.
I got to know Ed and Kathie the day I opened my business in 2,000. Ed seemed to be wearing a John Deere hat, shirt or other stylish gear he chose for his day every time I would see him. He called me “Bomber”, what my closest friends call me. Ed always had something interesting to share and chat about. What a terrific person he was, such a wonderful soul. Our whole staff expresses our most heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Ed. Farmington will truly never be the same without Ed around, and from the bottom of my heart, will truly miss him and hearing his uplifting and cheerful voice
Ed Wheeler was one of the finest men to walk this planet. Plain spoken, no airs, just a fundamentally good soul who cared about others with genuine interest. He was a mentor to just about everybody he met. He helped me be a better father and a better person. I will miss you greatly, Ed
I’m very sorry to hear of his passing. He was an all around good guy. I fondly remember seeing him in Wade’s parking lot, speaking to everyone, fulfilling his “mayoral duties” Sending all my love to the family
I have great memories of Ed. He was my husband’s cousin and beloved character. So many winter mornings he would show up to plow or driveway…a smile on his face the entire time…truly a great guy. My condolences to Kathie and his family…truly one of a kind…