G. Thomas Wheeler, 64

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — G. Thomas Wheeler, 64, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2017, after a brief illness.

Tommy was born in Pittsfield on November 3, 1952, to George and Margarethe Olsen Wheeler. He grew up in Lanesborough in the home his father built. As a child, he spent countless treasured hours at his grandparent's small farm just down the road, which bred in him a deep connection with animals, and a profound love of the outdoors.

In 1971, he married his childhood sweetheart, Susan F. Truden. Tommy was a carpenter, and in 1981, he built a house for them on land from his grandparent's farm. Together, they raised their three children there, which Tom said were the happiest days of his life. He was able to spend his final days in that home.

Tom loved music. He was a bass guitar player who would willingly play any venue, be it on stage, in a basement, or in his own living room.

Tommy was predeceased by his wife, losing Susie to breast cancer in 2006, just two weeks shy of their 35th wedding anniversary.

He is survived by his three children, Aimee Casey and her husband Todd, Chris Wheeler and his wife Kristen Tool, and Andrew Wheeler and his partner Kaylie Curran; as well as his adored grandsons, Conroy and Bishop Casey; and his partner, Grazyna Fiedorowicz.

Funeral notice: There are no calling hours. A memorial service celebrating Tommy's life is planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society, care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield.