Scott J. Wheaton
On March 23, our community lost one of the most loving, optimistic, caring and giving men one could have the pleasure of knowing.
Scott J. Wheaton of Aquebogue, went home to the Lord and died from complications of pneumonia. Scott was born in Bronxville, N.Y. on Aug. 9, 1951. He was raised in Upstate New York before moving to Long Island in the 8th grade.
After graduating from Harborfields High School in 1969, he attended and graduated from Colgate University with his Bachelor of Science in psychology, before going on to earn his Master of education and school administration degree from Hofstra University.
Scott has been happily married to his wife of 19 years, Sherrylee Wheaton. He is a proud father and father-in-law of Kirsten Black and husband Kevin of Astoria, John Scelsi and Melissa of Medford, Jeremy Wheaton and Randylyn of Eastport, and Benjamin Wheaton and Jennifer of Rocky Point, N.Y. He is the beloved “Grampy” of Rhys (and soon to arrive baby sister) Black, Dylan and Lauren Gabriel, Julianna Wheaton, Tyler Scelsi, and the late Ryan Wheaton. He is survived by his older brother, Mark Wheaton and his wife, Darla, of North Chili, N.Y., his sister-in-law, Vickie and husband Bill of Pennsylvania, and nephews, Michael Samartino, William Mclaughlin and his wife Beki, and his niece, Debbie Santino, her husband, Jason and their children, Kalysta and David, many friends and extended family. He is predeceased by his parents Dr. Gordon and Harriette Wheaton of Centerport and Marion and Frank Simon of Maryland, N.Y.
In his early career, Scott was a counselor serving Eastport School District, Mercy High School and several other eastern Long Island school districts, after which he became a school administrator at Eastern Suffolk BOCES for over 35 years. Scott co-pastored at The Christian Fellowship Church in the late 70s and early 80s. He was a member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Riverhead Rotary. He served as Mattituck Boy Scout Troop 39 Scoutmaster for 9 years and was one of the Internationally Certified Red Cross shelter managers in our local area serving during both Hurricane Sandy and Irene.
During his retirement, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of designing and building his own home with his wife Sherry. They enjoyed spending time with their family and their dogs, traveling, scuba diving, skiing and hiking the Appalachian Trail.
A life celebration will be held Saturday, April 23, from noon to 4 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead.
In lieu of flowers Scott, requested donations to be made to: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Attention: Royce Gibson, 779 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-08007. Please place “Scott Wheaton” in the memo section of the donation check.
The family of Scott Wheaton kindly requests that you send the stories about and pictures of Scott to: Sherry Wheaton, ℅ Hobbit Haven, 50 West Lane, Riverhead, NY 11901. These will be made into a book for his grandchildren in order for them to better know their “Grampy” better.
This is a paid notice.
