George William Hooley Wheeler, 95, of Newtown died December 16, after a short illness. Born June 12, 1919, in Newark, N.J., he was the oldest of two children.

He graduated with high honors from high school, and in 1939 he attended the New York Conservatory School of Music, playing the drums. He went on to play with several big bands of the times. He also attended architectural school in New York City.

In 1941 he enlisted in the US Army. He was a member of the 13th Field Artillery Brigade in World War II. While serving for his country he was asked to help with the French Foreign Legion (TAD), being able to speak German, French, and Italian. He was awarded two Croix De Guerre from the French government, along with several citations, including two Purple Hearts from his own country. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

After the war he settle in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., where he built yachts and also built buildings that were shipped to Admiral Richard Byrd, Jr, for his exploration in the Antarctica. Mr Wheeler then moved back to Connecticut, where he went on to build hundreds of homes and buildings. He took great pride in his involvement with building the Wheeler Shopping Center, the Newtown Post Office (now My Place Restaurant), and the CNB Bank (now People’s United), all on Queen Street.

Mr Wheeler was a lifelong member of the Free Mason Fraternity, serving more than 50 years in the Union Lodge in Danbury, and Hiram Lodge in Sandy Hook. He was also a mentor for the Demolay Order for the Bethel Lodge.

Four children, Darleen of Florida, Linda of New Milford, Bryant, and his wife Lilly, of Richmond, Va., and Jacqueline of Watertown, Mass.; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren survive Mr Wheeler. His parents, Lillian J. Hooley Wheeler and George W. Hooley; stepfather William H. Wheeler and wife Mary Louise; son, William; brother Frank; and grandsons Thomas J. Pane, Jr, and Joshawa Wheeler predeceased him.

Visitation with the family will be Saturday, January 24, from 10 to 11:30 am, at the Hull Funeral Home, 60 Division Street, Danbury, with a Masonic service at 11:15 am. There will be a church service at 1 pm, at The Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, Newtown, with Military Honors following that service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.