Charles “Chuck” Wheeler of Braintree, formerly of South Boston, passed away on January 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in South Boston, Massachusetts, and was the cherished son of the late Gerard and Anna Wheeler.

Chuck was married for 47 beautiful years to the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Charlene (McGinn) Wheeler. Their story began in Columbus Park in South Boston, when Chuck took a chance and offered to walk Charlene home. What started as the classic cheerleader–football player meet-cute blossomed into nearly 55 years of unwavering love, laughter, and partnership.

Raised in South Boston as the seventh of eight children in the tight-knit Wheeler clan of Carmody Court. Chuck attended St. Augustine School and South Boston High School. A standout athlete in both football and baseball, his high school sports career was nothing short of legendary. His athletics allowed him both play collegiately as well as a committed and proud member of the South Boston Chippewas.  Shortly before his passing, Chuck received the deeply meaningful news that he would be inducted into the South Boston Hall of Fame—an honor that perfectly reflected his talent, dedication, and impact.

In 1986, Chuck proudly joined the Boston Police Department, where he served the City of Boston with integrity and commitment for nearly 30 years. He worked as a patrolman in his beloved South Boston neighborhood and later at Boston Police Headquarters in the Crime Scene Investigation Unit. Never one to settle, later in his career, he was a proud graduate of Western New England College with a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement.  His service was marked by quiet strength, professionalism, and an unwavering sense of duty.

Above all else, Chuck was a devoted family man. Together, Chuck and Charlene raised three children—Andrea Langone and her husband Eric of Bridgewater, Amanda Polzin and her husband Albert of Bridgewater, and Brendan Wheeler (Boston Police Department) and his wife Regina of Readville—whom he loved with his whole heart. Chuck didn’t love loudly, but he loved deeply. Through his actions, he showed up time and again, stepping forward into every challenge his children faced or celebrating every accomplishment, big or small. A steady presence, a fierce protector, and a source of constant support, he was the father that fairy tales are made of.

Chuck believed deeply in a life well lived, and to him, living well meant time—time spent with the people he loved most. Whether he was hosting his beloved annual family Christmas party, organizing cherished Wheeler camping weekends, or piling everyone into the car for road trips to Virginia filled with spontaneous stops and laughter, Chuck was happiest when his family was together. He treasured vacations to Disney and Newport, countless baseball and softball tournaments that carried him all across the country, and most important, getaways or impromptu trips into Boston and beyond with his love Charlene. Chuck didn’t just show up for life’s moments—he made sure they happened. He was the driving force behind so many memories, and those moments of togetherness will be forever cherished by all who were blessed to share them.

Chuck’s proudest and most joyful role was being “Papa.” He was the adored grandfather of Ashlyn and Haleigh Langone; Aidan and Grace Polzin; and Bridget, Hannah, and Myles Wheeler. He never missed a moment—always cheering from the sidelines, celebrating their accomplishments, and ready to fix or face any obstacle for them. His love lives on in each of his grandchildren, who know he will forever remain their greatest cheerleader.

Chuckie, as he was affectionately called, is also survived by his loving siblings: Gerard (Jerry) Wheeler and his wife Alexandra of Lakeland, Florida; George Wheeler and his wife Pauline of Easton; Diane Yanovitch of Quincy; Kenny Wheeler and his wife Kathy of Mansfield; Judy Copeland and her husband Thomas of Mansfield; Mary (Mae) Noll and her husband Paul of Middleboro; and Carol Joyce and her husband John of Sagamore Beach. Chuck is also survived his sisters-in-law Diane Bilotas and her late husband, John and Judi Bilotas and her husband, Fran as well as his brother-in-law Bobby McGinn and his wife, Dee Dee and countless cousins, nieces, nephews, family members and friends

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, February 6, from 3:00–7:00 PM at McMaster Funeral Home, 86 Franklin Street (Rt. 37), Braintree.   A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 7, at 10:30 AM at the Church of Saint Clare, 1244 Liberty Street, Braintree, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life at the Randolph Elks Lodge, 21 School Street, Randolph.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chuck’s memory to Cops for Kids with Cancer: https://copsforkidswithcancer.org, Brotherhood for the Fallen: https://brotherhoodboston.org/ or to a charity of one’s choice.

Chuck Wheeler’s life was defined by love, loyalty, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.