Joseph David Wheeler

Joseph David Wheeler, 67, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026 at the Village of St. Edward in Fairlawn.

Joe was born on October 3, 1958 at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio, the son of the late David G. and Patricia A. Wheeler.

Joe knew he wanted to be a firefighter since childhood. He and his cousins listened faithfully to scanners and chased fire trucks about town. His dream became a reality and he proudly served as a firefighter and medic for the City of Akron for 25 years.

Even after retirement, Joe kept listening to his scanner to follow the department from home.

In retirement, Joe loved spending time outdoors gardening, tending his yard, and grilling for family and friends. In the evening, he could often be found in a comfortable chair watching his favorite show, COPS. Joe had a wonderful sense of humor. His ability to laugh and be silly was appreciated by everyone who knew him. If you knew Joe, you loved him.

Joe was a faithful parishioner at St. Eugene in Cuyahoga Falls until moving to the Village of St. Edward in Fairlawn, where he continued to worship each week.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his beloved aunt, Maureen Ohmer.

Joe will be deeply missed by his loving wife of over 42 years, Jacqueline Wheeler; children, Dr. Dan Wheeler and Courtney Wheeler; siblings, Cathy (John) Canale, Mary Ellen (Frank) Padula, Jim (Ginette) Wheeler, Beth (Mark) Goga, and Tim Wheeler; special cousins, Bill and Chris Wheeler; and many nieces, nephews, and extended relatives.

Joe was a lifelong animal lover and had many special pets over the years. He leaves his dog and faithful companion, Rebel, as well as his grand-dogs, Tessie and Shamrock, and grand-tortoise, Koopa.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026 from 5-8:30 p.m. with a Last Alarm service at 7:30 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron, Ohio 44305. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at The Village of St. Edward Chapel (Skilled Nursing Building), 3131 Smith Rd, Fairlawn, Ohio 44333.  Joe will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Northern Ohio Firefighters Charity: noffcharities.com.

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