Robert A. Wheeler

Robert A. Wheeler (Bob) passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, with his loving wife Marie Wheeler by his side. Bob was born in Sayre, PA in 1940 to the late Harold E. Wheeler and Ella M. (Daugherty) Wheeler. Bob is survived by his wife Marie (Mandarano) Wheeler, children, Renee A. Wheeler, Robert A. Wheeler, Daniel S. Wheeler, and grandchildren, Arianna Marie Wheeler, Linnea Elizabeth Wheeler, and Rose Marie Jenks. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Ella, brothers Donald G. Wheeler and Francis Wheeler, and sister Marylin (Wheeler) Tidlow. Bob was an Athens High School and Pennsylvania State University graduate. He lived his entire life in and around the valley. Bob served his country from 1967 to 1973 in the 464th Combat Engineers US Army Reserve. He married the love of his life, Marie Mandarano at the Sayre Epiphany Catholic Church on September 11th, 1965. They celebrated their 50th anniversary with their family on a N.C. beach, a gift from their loving children. Bob worked most of his career at IBM, Owego Federal System Division in various engineering positions, receiving the IBM FSD Management Award in 1984 (Manager of the Year). Bob also recruited engineers for IBM. Bob retired from IBM and worked briefly for Lockheed Martin Corp. When he retired in 1999, Bob took over ownership of Wheeler Tool Co., which was founded in 1960 by his father, and manufactured the patented polygon box tools sold worldwide. Bob retired in 2021 when Wheeler Tool Co. closed. Throughout his career, Bob mentored many people professionally, and he received a great deal of satisfaction watching them achieve success. Bob also was an avid sportsman. He loved to hunt and fish. He designed and built his family’s home in Nichols, NY on the Susquehanna River so he could easily access the river for fishing. Family trips to Cape Cod and later to Onterio, Canada were yearly quality family time that Bob cherished. In the summer of 1987, Bob drove the family to California and back. He made sure to visit nearly all national parks along the way so he could share the natural beauty with his family. Bob was active in the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts of America, Little League, and the Tioga Central School Wrestling Club. He is a member of the Nichols Post #1624 American Legion, Bradford County Historical Society, Sayre Historical Society, Tioga Co. (NY) Historical Society, SUVCW-Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, SRAC Museum, Waverly, NY, and a life member of the PSU Alumni Association. In later life, Bob was interested in American history. He extensively researched and collected local Native American, Civil War, and Lehigh Railroad items. Bob lived his life by a few axioms: 1. A person can consider himself a success if he can honestly say that when he departs this earth, he leaves it a little better than when he found it. 2. Those who consider wealth and material things above all else miss the point of life. 3. Those who do not contribute to their community miss a golden opportunity. 4. Those who contribute in some way, no matter how small, are truly successful individuals. Bob dedicated his life to his family, and he touched many lives while he was here. Bob’s parting wish is for everyone to spend quality time with their loved ones by visiting a state park, hiking, fishing, camping, or visiting a museum and sharing the world together. The family will receive friends Friday, June 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Alteri-Bowen Funeral Home 314 Desmond St. Sayre, PA. A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, PA with Rev. Daniel Toomey, pastor of the Church of the Epiphany, Sayre officiating with full military honors accorded by members of the Valley Color Guard. Memories and condolences may be expressed by visiting www.bowenfuneralhomes.com.

Robert A. Wheeler

September 11, 1940 - May 18, 2026

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Robert A. Wheeler

September 11, 1940 - May 18, 2026

365 Days of Grief Support

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