Wade A. Reese
Wade A. Reese, age 69, of Orwell, Ohio, passed away on Oct. 12, 2026, after a battle with metastatic colon cancer. Wade passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Debbie Reese, by his side.
He was born on Dec. 13, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio, and lived a life marked by devotion, hard work, creativity and deep love for his family and friends. Wade was one of six children, three brothers, and two sisters.
Wade grew up in Eastlake, Ohio, and later moved to Euclid, Ohio. He attended Longfellow Elementary School and graduated from Euclid High School in 1975.
Wade was a proud Christian whose faith guided the way he lived each day. He graduated from Euclid High School in 1975 and went on join the United States Air Force for six years as an Aerospace Weapons Mechanic loading nuclear bombs onto fighter jets.
During his service, he received the Longevity Service Ribbon twice, in addition to several other medals. It was an experience that reflected his discipline, commitment and sense of duty.
He later earned his certifications in electrical engineering, a field in which he built a respected career. As an electrical engineer, Wade was known for his detailed mind, his practical skill and his ability to see a project clearly from beginning to end. He had a gift for solving problems, building with purpose and turning ideas into reality.
Wade was a hardworking and creative man who took great pride in the life he built with his wife, Debbie Reese. Together, they transformed their home into a beautiful oasis and lasting legacy for their family.
He loved working in his wood shop and had the rare ability to create almost anything from wood or other materials. He approached every project with patience, precision and imagination. If something was broken, he was the man to call because only he could fix it. Whether he was working on a home improvement task, designing something new or tending to one of the many gardens around his property, Wade gave his best effort and his full attention.
He loved his gardens and knew the name of every type of plant and flower. Over the years, he spent time with his wife Debbie creating over 15 gardens around his property, each one a reflection of his love for nature, beauty and growth.
Wade loved the outdoors and had a deep appreciation for the natural world. When he wasn’t busy working on some grand project on the home front, he would enjoy relaxing with the many cats he had through the years and swinging on the back deck looking at the bats flying around. He enjoyed watching insects, especially dragonflies and praying mantises, and he noticed the small details in life that others often overlooked.
His home was filled with warmth, humor and the unmistakable presence of a man who loved deeply and lived intentionally. Wade also had a playful side that those who knew him well will never forget.
He was a prankster at heart and was known as the ultimate rubber band shooter, always ready with a mischievous grin and a good-natured joke.
Wade loved family vacations to Myrtle Beach, S.C., and was later able to continue the tradition with his grandchildren. A highlight for him on vacation through the years was always eating at Benjamin’s Seafood Calabash, where he would get loads and loads of bottomless crab legs.
Family meant everything to Wade. He was a loving husband, father and papa whose greatest joy came from the people he cherished most.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Reese; his daughter, Breiana Ullman (husband, Jonah); his grandson, Ian Ullman; his granddaughters, Aria Ullman, Liliana Ullman, Mia Phillips (fiancé, Tim), Summer Rath and Brynn Phillips; his mother-in-law, Dottie Wigand; brothers Richard Reese and Scott Reese (wife, Meg); sister Gail McGlamery (husband, Paul); and many nieces and nephews who will remember him with love and gratitude.
Wade is preceded in death by his father and mother, Richard and Helen Reese; brother Todd Reese, sister Linda Kaluza; and stepson, Ty Phillips.
He was especially proud of his grandchildren and treasured the time he spent with them, whether sharing stories, laughter or simply enjoying the comfort of family togetherness.
Those who knew Wade will remember his strength, his intelligence, his creativity and his steady presence. He was detailed oriented, dependable and always willing to put in the work needed to make something better.
He leaves behind a legacy of craftsmanship, devotion and love that will continue to live on in the home he built, the gardens he tended, the family he adored and the many lives he touched. His memory will be treasured always.
Wade was a firm believer in Christ and in the last two years of his life really focused on the depth and love of God. He enjoyed attending church with his wife, daughter and grandchildren for many years.
After his diagnosis, though it was hard, he made it a priority to share about his faith and the gospel of Christ. Wade was ready to go home and meet His Savior Jesus Christ.
Wade’s Celebration of Life Service will be held on Oct. 23, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, at Neo Church, 7593 Elmhurst Drive, Seven Hills, Ohio, with light refreshments and an opportunity to give condolences to the family to follow from 12-1 p.m.
Wade will receive military honors for his time in the military, including flag presentation and bugles. Wade will be cremated; there will be no visitation.
Flowers can be sent to Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon, Ohio.
Arrangements are entrusted to The Original Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
