Millerton – Michael Earl Wells, 68, a lifelong Millerton, NY, resident died peacefully on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at Vassar Bros. Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. Mr. Wells was a custodian at Salisbury Center School in Salisbury, CT, prior to his retirement in 2010. He loved his job but he especially loved all the children he helped throughout his many years at Salisbury.

Born May 12, 1948 in Sharon, CT, he was the son of late Franklin E. and Jane (Conklin) Wells, Jr. He was a graduate of Webutuck High School class of 1966 and attended the Engineering Program at Dutchess Community College. Mr. Wells enlisted in the United States Army in May of 1967 during the Vietnam War where he received advanced electronics training. He was honorably discharged in June of 1970. He remained in the United States Army Reserve for nearly two years following his discharge.

Mr. Wells was an avid reader and enjoyed SCUBA diving and instructing in the Bahamas for many years. He enjoyed researching and following the lives of the soldiers who served in the United States Army and stayed in contact with many of the men who served with his dad during the war. He held a private pilot’s license and had an extensive collection of model airplanes and photographs. A talented musician at heart, he played trumpet in the high school band and guitar in the rock band the “Playboys” for many years. He had an extensive music library that he loved to share with his loving family and enjoyed Skyping with his great niece and nephew on a weekly basis.

Mr. Wells is survived by his sister, Susan W. Brewer of Millerton; a niece, Kimberly Ford and her husband Dr. Michael Ford of Dexter, MI; a nephew, Steven Brewer and his wife Sue of Ballston Spa, NY; a great niece and nephew, Charlotte and Jackson Ford of Dexter, MI; his aunt, Kay Wells of VA and many cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother in law, Richard N. Brewer, five uncles and four aunts.

There are no calling hours. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 11am at the Millerton Presbyterian Church, 58 Main Street, Millerton, NY 12546. Rev. Zora Cheatham will officiate. Burial with full military honors will take place on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Irondale Cemetery, Route 22, Millerton, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Northeast/Millerton Library, 75 Main Street, Millerton, NY 12546 or American Cancer Society, 45 Reade Place, Third Floor, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Arrangements are under the direction of the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546. To send an online condolence please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com


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