John Russell Wiseman

John Russell Wiseman , born September 29, 1957 and died June 30, 2023. John Wiseman was a special man who loved his wife Dorothy, daughters Kelly (Robert) & Christy (Tony), and many friends.

John was a 2nd generation Akronite - son of Roy and Mary Hayward Wiseman, brother to Bob (Sandy) and Lois (Bud) Bailey. In addition to the love he had for his family, John found immeasurable joy for music and automobiles throughout his life.

John’s love of cars began at age 14 when his parents allowed him to buy his first of many British sports cars, a 1961 Sunbeam Alpine, on the condition he “tinker“ but not drive it. John’s love of British sports cars turned into a hobby of autocross car racing for nearly three decades which he shared with his daughter Kelly. John had a special fondness for yellow sports cars and Lotus. His greatest thrill was meeting his car buddies from coast to coast to compete at the SCCA Nationals each year. The goal was “not come in last in his car’s class and not hit a cone.” John’s friends frequently recount his eternal optimism and passion for life - even when other’s had tough races John would remark, “But did you have fun?”

John’s musical talent began early in high school as a way to impress girls. With friends he created the band, “The Summit” that actually had two or three paying gigs. John played electric guitar and kept a lifelong interest in guitars as both art and instruments. John was a classic rock and roll kind of guy who especially loved listening to the best guitarists of the 1960’s to the 2020’s; a shared passion with daughter Christy and son-in-law Tony. Love of music led John to house the very best speakers and audio components in his home and locate the ‘sweet spot’ for perfect listening.

John’s unique career was something he rarely discussed; a software engineer who worked to build some of our country’s most advanced command and control systems between the US and our closest allies. John was part of a development team for more than 3 decades. Work which required long duration trips to military bases in the US, Japan, South Korea, England, and Australia.  John was dedicated to his work and colleagues – both here and abroad.

John met Dorothy (Leisher) in Physics class as a Senior at Firestone High School, where he avoided all longing glances for many months. After several dates, he made sure to tell her he had no interest in a serious relationship as he was headed to study Physics at The Ohio State University. Thankfully, his plan did not come to fruition. John and Dorothy brought their love to OSU for four years, then returned back to the Akron area to raise their daughters. Dorothy and John celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary this past May. Their greatest joy was sailing in the years before kids, hiking in our many local parks, and exploring beautiful scenery across the United States during vacations.

Covid closed down normal life 2 weeks prior to John’s retirement and this was closely followed by an advanced cancer diagnosis. John accepted this with grace and good humor, never sharing an angry word or “why me?” attitude. Dorothy and John worked as a team throughout the cancer journey and grew even closer as they strove to be grateful for each day they shared together. John’s last days were filled with many visiting friends and loving care by Dorothy, Kelly, Robert, Christy, Tony and brother Bob with wonderful Cleveland Clinic Hospice support. He is so loved and cherished for the amazing human being he was.

Services to celebrate John’s life will be on SATURDAY, July 29, 2023 at 2:00pm at Bath Church United Church Of Christ, 3980 W Bath Rd, Akron, OH 44333.  All are welcome and the dress code is casual.  There will be a short reception following where John’s friends can find joy in sharing his stories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to purchase loaner autocross helmets for clubs across the region – allowing others to experience John’s passion. Venmo @KellyWisemanPAY or a check made out to a family member. Donations can also be made to John’s favorite local charity, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank for the distribution of fresh produce (Memo - In Memory of John Wiseman). ( www.akroncantonfoodbank.org )

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.