Edward Wheeler, also known as Ed, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle Eddie, and Boss, was born in Long Branch, New Jersey, on December 15, 1937. He passed away on July 18, 2025. His father, James Edward Wheeler, was a licensed plumber; his mother, Dennalla Wheeler (née Seylaz), worked at Kraeuter Tools and Bell Labs. Ed was the second youngest in his family, after Dennalla (Denny) and John, and before Patrick. In 1985, he married Margaret (Peggy) Regan, and they enjoyed a lifelong, beautiful partnership. They would have celebrated their 40th anniversary this November.

Ed spent his childhood and teenage years in a second-floor apartment at 661 South 19th Street in Newark. He attended Irvington Tech, located in the Vailsburg section of Newark. During his teen years, he enjoyed his cars (Olds 88) and hanging out with Jackie, Gary, Artie, George, and Richie. He liked Jerry Lee Lewis (not an Elvis fan).

In 1956, he walked into the kitchen at 661 and told his Mom and Dad that he was enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Soon after, he went to boot camp in Parris Island, flew to San Diego for more training, and was sent to Okinawa. While in Japan, he climbed Mount Fuji, the country’s highest mountain. Ed was honorably discharged from Active Duty in 1958 and spent four additional years in the Marine Corps Reserve. Throughout his life, he upheld the Marine values of honor, courage, and commitment. 

After returning to civilian life, Ed joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America, working on many large construction projects across New York City. Eventually, he started his own business, Wheeler Construction Company, which focused on roofing, siding, and additions. Over the years, many family members and friends worked at Wheeler Construction, often finishing their workdays at the Linwood Grove or Crowley’s! After work, Ed would grab his baseball gear and coach in the Midtown Little League in Edison. 

Drawing on his broad background in carpentry and construction, in 1999, Ed began working as a Construction Official at the Building Construction office in the Township of Edison, NJ, eventually rising to become the department head. He retired from Edison Township in 2009 but continued his career into his 80s as the head of the Sea Bright, NJ, building inspection office. It’s no exaggeration to say that Ed Wheeler was widely regarded as the #1 top expert on construction among the movers and shakers in Edison and Sea Bright.

In 1981, Ed and Peggy bought a bungalow at 908 Ocean Avenue in Sea Bright. From the beginning, they said, “We’re going to tear it down and build our dream house at the shore, live there year-round, and always feel like we're on vacation!” Their dream finally became reality in 1999 after 18 months of hard work, and they finished the new home. Although nearly destroyed during Superstorm Sandy in 2012, that house and their boat, “Sea Wheels," were central to the lives of many family members and friends.  

For many years, Ed and Peggy visited the beautiful island of Aruba twice a year with Richie and Joannie and Al and Linda. Many other friends and family joined them to relax on the beach, dine at top restaurants, explore the shops and boutiques, and try their luck at the casino slot machines! 

Ed is survived by his wife Peggy; his two sons, Edward (and wife Laura) and Michael (and fiancé Andrea), from his first wife Madeline Fellows; his four stepchildren, Frank (and wife Tina), Lynn (and husband Ken), Nicole, and Patricia; his brother Patrick (and wife Maria); 13 grandchildren—Edward, Kristen, Robert, Margaret, Christian, Maureen, Sean, Melodi, Justin, Joseph, Adam, Matthew, and Molly—and many cousins, nieces, nephews, as well as numerous coworkers and dear friends. He was predeceased by his mother, Dennalla; his father, James Edward; his sister, Dennalla (and husband Peter); and his brother, John (and his wife Jeanne). Ed was a member of the Marine Corps League and the Elks Lodge #2116 in Woodbridge, NJ.

A viewing will be held at Posten-McGinley Funeral Home, 59 E. Lincoln Ave., Atlantic Highlands, NJ, 07716, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 3 to 7 p.m. A brief service will take place on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 100 Chapel Hill Rd., Red Bank, NJ 07701. Friends and family are invited to join in remembering Ed. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to Hackensack Meridian Health Hope Tower, 19 Davis Ave, Neptune City, NJ 07753, in Edward Wheeler’s memory. Here is a link for donations.