Rash's Surname Index
Notes for Alexander Bowman WHEELER
Alexander Bowman Wheeler, whose efforts on behalf of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia resulted in an entire floor being named in his honor, died Christmas Day. He was 78 and lived in Bryn Mawr.
In 1974, the hospital's board of managers established the Alexander B. Wheeler Center for Infant Care, treating children 2 1/2 and younger. At the time, then-chairman Richard D. Wood said the honor was to recognize the arduous efforts of Wheeler, who was director of planning and development, in ''coordinating and raising funds . . . resulting in the opening of this major medical facility devoted to the well being of children."
Before 1974, the hospital at 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard had been located at 18th and Bainbridge streets in South Philadelphia. Wheeler was associated with the hospital for 25 years, resigning as vice president for planning and development in December 1984. He was elected to the board the following month and served on its executive committee for the next four years.
Former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, a colleague and longtime friend, said of Wheeler, "Along with several others Mr. Wheeler spearheaded the growth of the new Children's Hospital with a combination of his own personal skills, but with a deep belief that there was nothing better for children than the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia."
Before joining the hospital, Wheeler had spent more than 20 years as an executive of the N.W. Ayer advertising agency.
Wheeler's role in the development of Children's Hospital was outlined by William L. Van Alen, former board chairman, who said, "Mr. Wheeler organized an advisory committee followed by a series of policy-planning conferences in 1962 and 1963. Each of these events comprised nationally known consultants in a broad spectrum of areas bearing on health care.
"He furthered this planning by stimulating the United States Public Health Service to support a full-scale interdisciplinary study at Children's Hospital . . . which activated architectural planning of the West Philadelphia building in full coordination with the medical staff."
Wheeler was graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University. During World War II, he served in a Navy amphibious intelligence unit in the Pacific and was discharged with the rank of lieutenant commander.
His volunteer activities included membership on the boards of the Overbrook School for the Blind and the Council for International Visitors.
Survivors include his wife, Grace Wheeler; two sons, Alexander B. and Warwick S.; two stepdaughters, Grace Sharpless Cooke and Martha Sharpless Daniels; a stepson, Russell Sharpless, and five grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lancaster Avenue and Montrose Street, Rosemont. Burial will be private.
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