JEFFREY P. WILHELM, age 75, beloved husband for 53 years of Nancy (nee DiNatale); loving father of James (wife Christina) and Emily Mellenthin (husband Jereme); devoted grandfather of Audrey, Delaney, Arabella, and Phineas; cherished son of the late Alphonse and Dorothy (nee Szmania); dear brother-in-law, uncle, and friend of many.
Jeffrey was born on September 7, 1947 in Toledo, Ohio. He passed away on April 20, 2023. He graduated from Macomber High School in Toledo in 1965 before attending the Cooper School of Art and Kent State University, where he earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in fine art. A veteran of the United States Armed Forces, Jeffrey served in the Army. He enjoyed a long career as a graphic designer, working for American Greetings, Case Western Reserve University, Glidden Coatings and Resins, the Illuminating Company, and First Energy. In 1981, he joined St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church and often volunteered for the parish. Jeffrey was a prolific artist, specializing in abstract expressionist oil paintings. He had a profound love of gardening and spent much time tending to his flowers. When not creating art or tending his garden, he attended his grandchildren’s sporting events and watched motorsports. Jeffrey was devoted to his family and his faith, and spending time with his loved ones brought him untold joy in life. Those who remember him recall his loving, kind, hardworking, and social nature. A “good soul,” Jeffrey’s wit and friendliness live on. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Jeffrey’s love of art to fund scholarships for art students (click here to donate to Jeffrey’s Art Student Scholarship Fund Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, April 26th at St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church at 10:30am with military honors to follow. Cremation following by DeJohn Crematory. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Jeffrey at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) TUESDAY 3-7PM. To honor his love of gardening, please consider wearing florals. Online obituary, guestbook, and order flowers at www.DeJohnCares.com
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
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George Macauda
My sincere condolences Nancy and family rest in peace my dear friend
Carol Suderow
Dear Nancy and Family of Jeff,
I am honored to have known and worked with Jeff for several years at FirstEnergy. He was loved and admired by many, and his sweet soul will be fondly remembered.
Michael Gollini
Jamie, we are sorry for your loss, you and your family are in our thoughts, Mike and Theresa Gollini.
Jeff Garoutte
Dear Nancy and Family,
What a gift Jeff is and was. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor in design or a better model of a humble and strong heart! I’m so glad we have a hope to see each other again because of who Jesus is and what He did for us – it helps so much with the ache. I am a better person for being in Jeff’s circle and I know your family will continue to bless a lot more people in your journeys too. Prayers and hope are with you. Jeff Garoutte (FE colleague) PS. All the more a F1 fan because of Jeff!
CharleneKrejci
Dear Nancy and Family,
Dear Nancy and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jeff will be missed by all and we are so saddened by his passing.
Love to you and your family,
Beany, Don, Sarah, and Patrick
Cathy Zemon
I worked with Jeff for several years (CEI/FirstEnergy). He was a wonderful man, smart, creative, and oh so personable. I always enjoyed catching up with him on the phone after we got “work” out of the way. Sincere condolences to the family and his friends.
Arlene & Don DiFonzo
Nancy, Jamie, Emily & family,
Please accept our sincere condolences. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I’ve always said there isn’t a yard that looks better than yours -with all the love and creativity that Jeff put into, it is amazing.
Every Halloween I think of Jeff’s fabulous costume when he dressed as a woman, it was epic!
It’s good to look back and have great memories of him.
I pray God gives all of you the strength you need and peace in sorrowful times.
Sincerely,
Don & Arlene DiFonzo
Darlene L. Johnson-Cargill
Condolences to the entire family. So very sorry for your loss. Jeff was one of my favorite people at The Illuminating Company. A group of former coworkers had lunch late last year and had agree to meet again this year. He will be missed.
Sal DiNatale
I couldn’t ask for a better Uncle. Always caring and supportive. Always eager to celebrate life’s simple moments and embrace quality time with family and friends. Thank you Uncle Jeff, for bringing so much happiness into my life since childhood. I will miss you until we meet again indeed. Love Sal
Patty Catanese
Nancy, Jaimie, Emily, and grandkids, your Loving husband, Dad, and Papa, was truly a gentle, peaceful man, who’s example we all could follow , very sorry for you huge loss, the world lost a good man, hugs, Joe and Patty Catanese
Bill and Dorothy Rini
Dear Nancy and Family,
Dorothy and I were lucky to drop by your home a week before Jeff died. When Jeff learned I was waiting in the car he bounced out of the house with his ever present smile. He shared his optimistic view of his health while wishing us well , he made our day. While we have not seen Jeff for awhile we know our friendship was intact. Jeff is the perfect example of a good kind man and he will be missed. Rest in peace our friend. Bill and Dorothy
George Macauda
My sincere condolences to Nancy and family. Rest in peace my friend . George Macauda
Joe Quinones
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to your family during this time of loss. Jeff was a great man. I will continue to miss him.
George Macauda
My sincere condolences to Nancy and family. Rest in peace my friend.
Jeff Cannata
Please accept our condolences on your loss. Living so far away, my interactions with Mr. Wilhelm were few and far between. However, his hard work and diligence in the yard left a big impression on me.
His presence in the neighborhood will truly be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family during these difficult times.
Love,
Jeff, Ryoko and Lucio Cannata
Fr. Michael Lumpe
Where has the time gone! Jeff was a wonderful friend. We had a lot of good times during the old CEI and Centerior Energy days — his friendship was enjoyed by so many. He was a very talented artist and graphic designer, who loved his wife and family very much. God rest his eternal soul. Nancy, I offer prayers and deep sympathy for you, your children and grandchildren. I’ve already celebrated a Mass for Jeff — many more in coming days. God bless.
–Fr. Mike Lumpe
Dan Bradesca
Nancy, my heart is with you. I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Dan Bradesca
Sharon Dane-Solomon
Dearest Nancy and Family,
Jeff’s beautiful obituary painted a clear picture of Jeff and his deep love of family, of his art and of his gardening. Jeff seemed to thrive creating beauty. The roots he put down either in his exceptional garden or with his exceptional family, will continue to grow and speak to his life, a life well lived!
We know the journey you find yourselves on is difficult. May your strong faith and fond memories provide support and comfort as you all walk this new path.
We are truly sorry for your loss.
Sid and Sharon Dane-Solomon
Kathy Cavolo
Our sincere condolences to Nancy and the Wilhelm family. Jeff was truly a gifted and talented man who shared his talents with his family and friends. He was always helping his family and friends with projects that would beautify their homes and improve their lives. He was a kind and giving man who loved his family and friends. He and Nancy were always genuinely concerned about the welfare of others and performed acts of kindness unselfishly. We thank The Lord for giving us this special man.!!
Kathy and Danny Cavolo
Paula E Knight Vejby
DEAREST Nancy and family.
Please accept my sympathy and prayers for your loss. Jeffrey was a wonderful man and glad I got to meet him.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
PAULA KNIGHT VEJBY
Sabina rubeck
Our sincere condolences to the whole family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We couldn’t have asked for better neighbors and true friends. Jeff was a kind, special person and may you all find comfort in the wonderful Memories you shared. Sophia Kaziner and Sabina Rubeck and family
Fr. Mike Lumpe
Nancy, unfortunately my duties in Columbus (coupled with the shortage of priests) do not allow me to come North for calling hours nor for the Mass of Christian Burial. I continue to pray for Jeff’s soul, and for you and your children and grandchildren. My two Masses on Wednesday will be for Jeff.
Kelly Matier
To Nancy and family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Jeff, as you all are aware, was a great man, a real gentleman, just wonderful all around great guy. I worked with Jeff at CEI in the late 80s and through the 90s. He was funny, and creative and just and fun to have in the office. I think back to the old days at CEI with a smile and wonderful memories. I am heartbroken that Jeff has passed.
Jennifer Holz
Nancy,
My heart goes out to you and your family; I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you close in thought and prayer.
Jen (Budzick) Holz
Kathy Phyfer
Dear Nancy and Family,
I am just so sad for all of us…we’ve lost one of the best with Jeff’s passing. I worked with him at CEI/FE and he was the perfect coworker – kind, supportive and fun to work with…even when I came running to him at the last minute with a design project. He would “sigh” and jokingly ask “what now?” with a smile on his face. Jeff taught me much – patience, promptness (he was always the first one in the office) and professionalism. He also taught me the trick to wrapping a gift package. I would use the brown craft paper in Jeff’s office to wrap and mail gifts (in the days before Amazon). He taught me to “crease the edges” so it would look neat and professional. I think of him every time I wrap a gift. A small memory, but one that I will cherish.
Our condolences to his friends and family
Kathy and Steve Phyfer
Barbara Szmania
Dear Nancy and family, Tim and I were so sorry to hear about Jeff. Tim has such wonderful memories of their childhood together. Please know that our prayers are with you and the entire family. God bless. Barbara and Tim Szmania
Dana Quinones
My Uncle Jeff was like a Dad to me…..he was an awesome human being !! My fondest memories are our annual family ravioli making days for our Christmas Day dinner. He was in charge of running the dough through the Kitchenaid mixer:) I love you and will miss you dearly.
Lorton Stephen
A good and gentle man taken too soon. Prayers for Jeff’s immortal soul and for solace for Nancy and family.
Ben & Lorrie Haberman
Dear Nancy~So saddened to hear of Jeff’s passing. Sending love and peace to you and your family.
Ben & Lorrie Haberman