Beverly

Joseph W. Wheelock, age 91, of Beverly and Hyde Park died Wednesday morning in the Essex Park Nursing Home following a long illness.

Born and educated in Salem he was the son of the late Frank and Mabel (Teader) Wheelock. He was graduated from Salem High School, and proudly served the United States Navy during World War II and then remained in the reserves for many years.

Following his discharge from active duty, Mr. Wheelock was employed for over 25 years by the United Shoe in Beverly in the Payroll Department until retiring in 1960. He then became employed in the garment industry working for both Peerless Sportswear and Gustin and Kramer in Hyde Park. More recently he had been employed part time at Roche Brothers.
An active member of the Hyde Park Community, Mr. Wheelock was a life member of the V.F.W William D. Doyle Post 2831 in Hyde Park and had also served as Vice President and President of the Hi-Parks of Hyde Park. He had also been very active with the renown Drum and Bugle Corps in Salem which had won many championships. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Wheelock spent much of his time with the Newman family of Beverly, with whom he was very close.

He is survived by a sister Mabel Sheehan of Peabody and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his life partner Thomas F. Kelly; four brothers Elmer, Frank, Leonard and Philip Wheelock and three sisters Patricia Newman, Frances Walker and Mary "Mimi" Wheelock.

His funeral will be held on Saturday at 9:15 A.M. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (cor of North ST) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. in St. James Church, 161 Federal St., Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Friday from 4 to 8 P.M. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. For more information contact the Murphy Funeral Home by calling 978 744 0497. On line guest book at MurphyFuneralHome.com.