Thomas "Tom" Wheatley

Thomas Wheatley Obituary

Name: Funeral Mass for Thomas "Tom" Wheatley
Start: 2023-02-03T00:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Christopher's Church

Tom Wheatley sadly passed away following a courageous and stubborn fight with multiple health challenges. A lifelong resident of San Jose, he was born on Feb. 17,1951 to Merlin and Charmaine Wheatley. Tom was an avid cyclist with a wry sense of humor and a big heart. He was deeply proud of his work as a police officer, retiring as the Acting Chief of Police of SJPD in 2004. His distinguished 30-year career included a Medal of Valor for bravery in the line of duty. He is survived by his daughters Sarah (Nils) and Anne (Ryan); siblings Diana (Ron), Glynis (David), Charmaine, Terry (Pam), and Danielle (Brian); six nieces and nephews; his beloved grandchildren Henry and Mabel; and his partner Nancy. Funeral Mass at St. Christopher's Church, 2150 Booksin Ave., San Jose on Thurs. Feb. 2nd at 4:00 p.m. with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the San Jose Police Chaplaincy or the American Cancer Society.

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Published by Mercury News from Jan. 28 to Jan. 30, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Wheatley

Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.

11 Entries

Tam Remington

January 23, 2024

Diana, I agree. I still want to pick up the phone and laugh with Tom! Such a light in the lives of so many. He loved you all so much and still does! He was my mentor, hero, trusted leader and dear friend and I miss him every day.

Diana Wheatley

January 22, 2024

It's hard to believe it's been a year since Tom passed away. I still think to give him a call or send him an email and then realize he's gone. He was a little less than 2 years younger than me and it was always great to share memories from childhood and from our teen years. He was in many ways the star of the family and I was proud to be his big sister. Can't wait until we meet in heaven.

Frank De Fanti

February 7, 2023

Tom was an amazing man, and was the best brother-in-law a guy could have. He supported me through some very tough times. He had a big heart and the world was a better place when he was in it. He will be deeply missed ,but never forgotten.

Charmaine (Wheatley) Reedy

February 6, 2023

How lovely and moving to read these messages. Thank you John Guido, Jose Salcido and all. I learn more about Tom and it eases the pain to hear your memories

Jose Salcido

February 5, 2023

I considered Tom a great leader and friend. My brother, John Salcido, died of cancer two years before he was eligible to retire from SJPD. His family, at the time, had enrolled his two sons at Santa Clara University. The untimely death put in jeopardy attending that school. Tom Wheatley, as Chief of SJPD, wrote a letter to the university asking that they help the family. Both boys were granted full scholarships. Tom did not have to be so kind and thoughtful. His Catholic faith showed in everything he did. May he Rest In Peace and may his family be consoled that he is resting with the saints in Heaven.

Julie Callahan, Badge #2179 (Ret.)

February 2, 2023

So many memories over the years. You were one of my first sergeants and we had many adventures together during the YSD days and also later when I was a detective working for you as you rose the command ladder. You always were a man of your word, a mentor, and a stellar cop. Thank you for being there for me during difficult times. You will always be remembered as the BEST OF THE BEST. Godspeed Chief. Watch over the rest of us.

Bryan Lamy

February 2, 2023

I met Wheat in 1978 when he worked plain clothes catching shoplifters at Gemco Stores in San Jose. We became friends and he eventually wrote me the letter of recommendation for my first Law Enforcement position as a Deputy Sheriff with Santa Cruz Co. Wheat was funny, friendly and always present in any conversation we had. Wheat was dedicated to his profession, willing to put in the long hours, but still always kept his delightfully dry sense of humor.

RIP Tom

Bryan Lamy

John Guido

February 2, 2023

He would call me "Gumba" and I would call him Wheat or "Gumbazzi". That was in the 70's when Tom and I lived together in Santa Clara. Tom could sleep like a rock. When he was accepted into the police academy I used to set my alarm in my room and go into his to wake him up so he could get to the academy on time. I would repeatedly have to re-enter his room and make sure he was up, otherwise he would fall back asleep again...Later on I became a reserve officer and I would ride with Tom on the beat. He was a great mentor and a damn good COP... Love you Tom.

Read Zaro

February 2, 2023

My deepest condolences to the Wheatley family.
Tom was a great guy, he will be missed.
I knew him from St Joseph´s school. Along wit the family. Crossed paths a lot as life moved as I did events in town, etc. He always stopped and say hi, and check on me and what I was doing.

Johnna Coats

January 31, 2023

Prayers for my best buddy Charmaine and the Wheatley family as they mourn the man behind those beautiful blue eyes. So many memories of a life well lived. Johnna