Wes was a proud World War II Veteran who served during the D Day invasion at Normandy earning two Purple Hearts. He earned both his Bachelor's and Masters degrees in Education from New York University. While at Wheatley he matriculated at Columbia University and the Doctoral program in Education.

Wes served as the Principal of The Wheatley School from 1961-1979. He was admired and loved by the many graduates of The Wheatley School during his tenure. " He was completely immersed in all aspects of Wheatley, from participating in the school's theater productions to attending the many Wheatley Wildcat sporting events each year" , according to his son Wes. "He would invariably meet Wheatley graduates in his travels and was very proud that they all would have positive comments about their Wheatley experience." Upon his retirement in 1979 a Wheatley High School leadership award was established in his name.

He worked as the Director of Institutional Studies at Arizona State University from 1984-1997. 

He is survived by his wife Joan (nee Catena) of 72 years, three sons, four grandchildren, two great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.