Obituary of Gordon Wheelock

Gordon Wheelock, 94, of Homer, NY, passed away peacefully at his home January 3, 2021. He was born on July 18, 1926 in Pitcher, NY the son of the late Ivan and Mabel Kenyon Wheelock. Gordon had worked as a self-employed logger for 36 years with Homer Logging Partnership. Post retirement, he was employed for 10 years by Cortland Rubbermaid Co., followed by many years of Republican Politics. First as a trustee for 18 years for the village of Homer, then a Deputy Mayor of Homer for 4 years. Gordon ended his political service as a Cortland County Legislator from 2012-2017. He had also served as a US Bureau Census Taker for the 2000 Census and the 2010 Census. Gordon had proudly served as a Fireman for most of his adult life. He joined the McGraw Fire Department in 1948 and then became an active member of the Homer Fire Department for more than 70 years to include serving as the department's first President. Gordon had held all of the Departments offices except Chief and had received the 70 year plaque award in 2018. Gordon married Velma Jacobi in 1947 and they were the proud parents of a son Guy Wheelock and daughter Pamela deLyra. Mr Wheelock was predeceased by his wife and his two children, his sisters Avis Staub and Barbara Shippey and his brother Gary Wheelock Gordon spent his life enjoying as many things as he could. He loved his family, sports, cooking, gardening and good conversation. His love of sports was known as he followed Syracuse University, local teams, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family. Gordon umpired local softball for many years and golfed in the local leagues. Gordon and Velma loved to travel visiting family and golfing. Gordon's favorite times were spent at camp where he created a lifetime of joy, laughter, hunting and memories with friends and family. Gordon is survived by his sister Phyllis DeRonda, sister-in-law Margaret Lanpher Wheelock and son-in-law Steven deLyra. His grandchildren; Catherine deLyra Bennett and Elizabeth deLyra Malone of Cumming, GA, Maria Wheelock and Michael Wheelock of Canton, GA. Gordon has nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His nephews Chris DeRonda and Ronald Shippey who with their wives Charlene and Sue, have been exceptional caretakers of Gordon this past year. The family also has deep gratitude to Colleen Stafford and her staff for their compassionate care of Gordon. Due to the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic the funeral service and celebration of Life will be held later in 2021 when Gordon will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Velma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Homer Fire Department, Main St., Homer, NY 13077.