Michael Wade Obituary

Michael Joseph Wade

Michael Joseph Wade, 70, a man of pure love, died Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024.

He valiantly fought heart disease and the effects of injuries for much of his life. Even though he had a great team of doctors and health care professionals trying to help him, he was overpowered by the heart challenge. He fully gave his all to the team that made his treatment and care as comfortable as possible.

Michael was born Friday, Nov. 13, 1953, in Tiffin, to Joe and Isabelle Wade and after college, married Susan Gaietto.

He is survived by his brothers, Peter Wade (Susan) and Dick Garcia (Connie); sisters, Lisa Chandler (B.J.), Joan Smith (Don), Sara Drake (Jim), and Anita Love (Phil); son, Joe (Emily); twin daughters, Andrea Turk (Mike) and Angela Altenburger (Jon); two granddaughters, Monica and Annie; and four grandsons, Matthew, Leo, David, and Andrew.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Ed Garcia; and sisters, Jane and Anne.

A 1973 graduate of Columbian High School, Michael led in football and wrestling. After earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Miami University in 1977, his career was in sales to which he voluntarily added great how-to instruction. His residences were in Ohio, Missouri, and Florida with his last home being Lakewood, Ohio, where he was a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church and its King's Men ministry. In all places, he was a self-starter that truly believed in genuine service and solving problems with fair solutions. He had a professional sales approach that demonstrated value added and resulted in higher gross margins, all based on following through from start to finish.

Michael set an example for honesty and goodness, a sincere role model. Despite ongoing difficulties, he remained cheerful and giving to the end. In our family, he was known as the person who could fix anything and everything. He skillfully handled tools and machines and always left them and the area clean, ready for the next use. He was a self-made builder, woodworker, and taught anyone wanting to learn. In both his professional and personal life, his organizational sense and ethics always went the extra mile.

His greatest love was children. He was meant to be a father and grandfather and was perfectly imperfect for all children. Whether it was a cheerful greeting to see them light up with joy, singing at camp sites, coaching sports teams, expertly dancing, watching games and performances, or providing the healthiest of sweet treats, Michael was ever-present. He took interest and fully gave to children his entire life.

Michael also loved the people his children married as his own. He felt blessed to have them and six grandchildren (who called him Papa), all with wonderful personalities and talents. He thought being the observer of his grandchildren playing soccer in a nearby beautiful Cleveland park was a special gift. His siblings, nieces and nephews, clients, and other best friends felt his love too and thought the world of him. His depth of character and talent will remain admirable and endearing forever.

Michael's memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, at St. Luke the Evangelist Church, Lakewood. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the church is suggested.