Melissa M. Wise

Melissa Marie Wise (Nicolino), our Honey Bee, gained her angel wings on May 5, 2026, at the age of 46. She was born on October 4, 1979, in Akron, Ohio, to Anthony and Denise (Drummond) Nicolino. Our beautiful and deeply loved wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, cousin, in-law and friend passed away after courageously fighting a hard three-year battle with ALS. Through every challenge, Melissa showed extraordinary perseverance, grace and determination. Her resilience touched the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her husband and children cared for her daily needs with strength, compassion and devotion throughout her journey.

Melissa was a proud graduate of Ellet High School, class of 1998, where she made history as the first girl to join the Ellet High School soccer team and played on the golf team. She also played volleyball and indoor soccer. Melissa was a graduate of Stark State College and pursued many work endeavors throughout her life, always bringing dedication and heart to everything she did.

Melissa enjoyed her many trips to the Outer Banks. She enjoyed flowers, singing, making cookies for everyone at Christmas, cooking and was a huge animal lover. Most of all, Melissa enjoyed her time with her family.

Melissa had a gift for making friends wherever she went and cherished her family and loved ones deeply. She also loved animals and had numerous horses while growing up. She was also a fur-baby mom to several cats and dogs, especially Buckeye.

Melissa is survived by her loving husband of almost 25 years, Joe; her beloved children, Christian and Alexandra Wise; her parents, Anthony and Denise Nicolino; her sisters Alicia (William) Hudnall and Amanda (Chad) Forrest; her grandmother, Elaine Drummond, her in-laws Bill and Linda Wise; and her brothers-in-law, Tim (Heather) Wise and Andy (Jen) Wise. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews: Joseph, Hunter, and Blake Hudnall; Mason Muster, Lorelei, Cole and Finn Forrest; Kayleigh, Paisley, Olivia, Lincoln and Finn Wise, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family members and dear friends.

Melissa was preceded in death by her grandparents Anthony and Esther Nicolino and David Drummond; her beloved aunt Janeen Nicolino; her beloved uncle, John Nicolino; her cousin Matthew Naska, and her fur babies, Buddy and Pumpkin.

In memory of Melissa, the family asks everyone to wear bright colors at the request of Melissa as we gather to celebrate her beautiful life.

Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, Thursday, May 14th at Newcomer Funeral Home (131 N. Canton Rd., Akron) and on Friday, May 15th, from 10:00am to 11:00am at The Chapel in Green, Worship Center Door C (1800 Raber Rd, Uniontown, 44685) where services will be held at 11:00am with Pastor John Wilson officiating.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who donated, supported and helped during this difficult time, as well as the compassionate staff of the Cleveland Clinic Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center for their loving care during the last two weeks.

Melissa’s love, courage, humor and light will remain in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to help support the care and time devoted to Melissa by her children, who selflessly put work aside to care for their mother during her illness.

To share a memory of Melissa or leave a special message for her family, visit the guest book below.