Keith D Wheeler , VRHS Class of 1978
Keith D. Wheeler, 66, passed away suddenly Sunday, April 19, 2026, at home. Keith was born in Albany, N.Y., the son of the late Kenneth Wheeler and Gwendolyn "Winnie" Wheeler. Keith was raised in Rensselaer, and was a Rensselaer High School Graduate. He started his career with the Rensselaer City Fire Department. Dedicated firefighter from 1986 to 2008, retiring after 22 years of service. He was very proud to serve his community. Keith started his Amtrak Railroad Career as a Ticket Agent from 2008 to April, 2026, and was a Maplewood Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Certified, October 2017 to 2020 and 2022 to 2024. He was a member of James Hill Hook and Ladder, Chemical Hose #4, Rensselaer Volunteer Ambulance, International Association of Firefighters, N.Y.S. Professional Firefighters, and Rensselaer Professional Firefighters #L2643 Union President and Treasurer. A SCBA Maintenance Guy, Keith established this position and the current system they use today. Keith enjoyed spending time with his wife, Sandra, vacationing, cruising, and country music concerts. Irish food and music festivals were his favorite. Keith's favorite hobby was the Air Flight Simulator. He was a collector and wearer of several "Boston Scally" Irish Caps. He was a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns', Boston Bruins and a "diehard" fan of the Boston Red Sox! He wore his favorite team tee shirts proudly! Survivors include his wife, Sandra J. Wheeler; daughters, Christa (John) Murray and Lauren (Andrew) Gould; and sons, Bryan Wheeler and Tommy E. Keith was very proud to be called "Papa" by his grandchildren, Camden, Cora, Liam, Ava, Alexander, and Thomas. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis (Regina) Wheeler; and lifelong best friend, Phil Foust. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Karen Courcelle. Friends and family are invited to call on Monday, April 27, from 2 to 5 p.m., in the Wm. J. Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Tpk., Rensselaer. There will be a short Fire Department Prayer Service at 3 p.m. A Funeral Service will follow in the funeral home at 5 p.m.