Philomena R. (Cicconetti) Wheeler

Philomena R. Wheeler (née Cicconetti), age 94, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025. Philomena was born on October 24, 1930, in Painesville, Ohio, to Antonio and Grace (Monda) Cicconetti. She graduated from Thomas W. Harvey High School, Class of 1948, and was a lifelong resident of Painesville and Lake County.

On September 20, 1952, Philomena married Norris E. Wheeler of Montville at St. Mary Church in Painesville. She is survived by their four children: Grace (Martin) Srocznski, Diane (Steve) Barnhouse, Fred (Sherrie) Wheeler, and James (Helena) Wheeler.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brad Karlovec Sr., Zach Barnhouse, Cassie (Kendrick) McCandless, Molly (Randy) Llamas, Daniel (Courtney) Wheeler, and Kelly, Michael and Joseph Moore; and her great-grandchildren: Brad (Kate) Karlovec Jr., Brayden, Graham, Finley, Teagan, Killian, and Emric Barnhouse, Hunter McCandless, Brooklyn and Addison Wheeler, and Fiona and Antonio Llamas. Also surviving is her sister-in-law, Jacqueline (Coyne) Cicconetti.

Philomena led a full and happy life. After Norris won the lottery in 1976, they took the opportunity to travel — and travel they did! Some of their destinations included Hawaii, Alaska, and New Mexico for the International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. She enjoyed participating in many activities over the years, including the Red Hat Society, book club, card club, aerobics at the former Painesville Senior Center, and her walking group. She was active in parish functions at St. Mary and volunteered at her children’s and grandchildren’s schools. Philomena was an avid Cleveland sports fan, Go Tribe! She was especially proud to be named Lake County Democratic Woman of the Year in 1999.  Family was incredibly important to her, and she cherished her many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the greatest joys of her life. She was known for always carrying an envelope full of their photos to show to anyone she met. Her father, Antonio, was an immigrant from Campli, Italy and was very proud of her Cicconetti name.

Philomena was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Norris; her parents, Antonio and Grace (Monda) Cicconetti; her siblings, Angelo Cicconetti, Ralph (Angela) Cicconetti, and Carmella (Earl) Gill; her nephews; Anthony Cicconetti and John Gill; and her grandson, Dennis Moore.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the Laketran team, who made her day by taking her to the Fairport Senior Center three days a week, where she enjoyed playing Hand and Foot, Bunco, and chair volleyball with her beloved friends. Thanks also to Meals on Wheels and their volunteer drivers, whose visits brightened her days. Finally, heartfelt appreciation to her medical team — Dr. Roger Espinosa and Dr. John Baniewicz — for the many years of kindness and care they gave to Mom.

Friends and family will be received from 4–7 p.m. on Friday, October 17, at the Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Ave., Painesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 242 North State Street, Painesville. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Painesville.

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