Vincent Seli

Vincent Seli, 76, of Mogadore, Ohio, passed away on October 13, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Vince was born on October 2, 1950, to George and Maria Seli in Akron, Ohio, and grew up in Ellet. After attending Ellet High School, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam on a mobile detachment and as a volunteer firefighter, where he was commended for his service. When his tour ended, he eagerly returned home to marry his longtime sweetheart, Joyce Marie Berkley. He began a lifelong career in drywall and eventually founded his own company, Seli Drywall. As he and Joyce began their family life together, Vince enjoyed fishing, taking trips to Canada with his brothers and friends, and opening his home to people who soon became family.

After Vince and Joyce endured the loss of five pregnancies, they opened their hearts and home to their first child, Andrea, and were later blessed with Vincent and Danielle. Vince built the family home in Peninsula, Ohio, in the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park area, where he developed a love of finding arrowheads, hiking, and backpacking. Many of his favorite memories came from the years when his children were growing up. He cheered them on in football, wrestling, lacrosse, field hockey, and track. He also served for years as equipment manager for Hudson Hawks Football and as a longtime Boy Scout leader, taking his troop on high-adventure trips and helping five scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout.

Vince and Joyce loved to travel together with family and friends, conquering most of the Caribbean, and many trips to Cape Coral FL and Charleston SC. He also backpacked in Ohio and Pennsylvania, including part of the Appalachian Trail, and treasured fishing trips to Dale Hollow, Tennessee, with his brothers, sons, and friends. With his children, he discovered the fun of hunting for shark teeth and often made the biggest finds-including megalodon teeth.

Vince was known as an honest, hardworking man who would help anyone in need. Fair, honorable, and kind to everyone, he immediately put people at ease and welcomed them into his family with open arms.

Vince and Joyce eventually retired to Mogadore, Ohio, where he built their current home and became known by a new name: Poppy. He continued to take pride in his yard and delighted in giving his grandchildren tractor rides. His greatest joy was spending time with Lucas (17), Brandon (14), Maria (11), Logan (7), Pearl (5), and Iris (4). Whether he was attending soccer and football games, choir and band performances, hosting sleepovers, or going to the park, time with his grandchildren always filled his heart.

Vince is survived by his wife, Joyce; his children, Andrea Orr, Vinnie, and Danielle Seli Mowery; his son in law, Matt Orr; his grandchildren, Lucas, Brandon, and Maria Orr, Logan and Pearl Mowery, and Iris Seli; his siblings, Maryann Troop, Connie, Andy (Pam), Beth (Mike) Steiner, Chrissy (Mike) Pope, and Kathy (Dave) Flatt; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a multitude of friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie; his parents, George and Maria Seli; his brother, George; his parents-in-law, Edgar Berkely and Elsie (Ronnie) Baschand; his son-in-law, Jason Mowery; and lifelong friends Roger and Rae Graham.

With the support of his family, especially his brother, Andy, Vince was able to spend his final eight months at home. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Summa Hospice, including Dawn, Tess, and the inpatient team, for their excellent care and support. Their compassion helped keep Vince comfortable and surrounded by the people he loved through his final moments.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday October 27, 2026 at 11am with a memorial service to follow at 12pm at Newcomer, Akron Chapel, 131 N. Canton Rd. A procession to Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio, will immediately follow the service, to begin at 2:15pm. A celebration of life will be held at Wingfoot State Park in the Dogwood Shelter on Friday November 13 at 6:30pm. 

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