David S. Wheeler

1960 - 2024

David S. Wheeler

October 15, 1960 - March 9, 2024

David S. Wheeler of Salem, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly at the early age of 63 on Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Willis, Va., with his dear friend, Bob Wright by his side. David passed away doing what he loved best…cycling!

Born on October 15, 1960 to the late Harold "Ike" Wheeler and Patricia (French) Wheeler Scarsilloni, he was raised in Scituate, Mass. and worked with his family on the 3A Farm and at the Route 3A Realty Station. David enjoyed playing hockey, his trumpet and karate classes. In his junior year of high school, David moved to Woodsville, N.H. to live with his dad and family. During these years, he enjoyed skiing and hiking in the White Mountains. David graduated from Woodsville High School in 1978. He went on to attend the University of New Hampshire, his dad's alma mater, and in 1982, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.

David was fascinated by computers and technology and he was dedicated to his work in this field. He held senior information technology management positions in companies located in New Hampshire, Vermont, Tennessee and Virginia. At the time of his passing, David was the Chief Information Officer at Robertson Marketing Group.

On June 29, 2001, David married his first love, Carmel Auth Smith. David and Carmel met at Unity of Roanoke Valley and shared many interests including church, fellowship, gardening and dancing. They loved to dance and in 2004 won a trophy from the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. David loved being a part of his stepchildren's lives, sharing experiences and watching them grow and flourish into successful adults. He was so proud of them for all their accomplishments and loved them dearly. David's heart was broken when Carmel passed away.

In 2017, David was fortunate to find love again with Martha Poarch Sledd. David and Poarch enjoyed traveling, especially to the ocean, entertaining family and friends, and taking care of their three dogs.

David left us too early; however, he has been reunited with his dear wife, Carmel Auth Smith Wheeler; father, Harold "Ike" Wheeler, and his mother, Patricia French Scarsilloni.

Many hearts have been broken as a result of David's departure, but his memory will be alive in his siblings, Kenneth Wheeler and wife, Tyler, Jackie Cook and husband, Timothy, Terri Fortier and husband, Michael, Mark Wheeler and wife, Elena, Darlene Scarsilloni and her four children, and Luigi Scarsilloni and wife, Leslie; step-father, Edward Scarsilloni and wife, Marion; step-mother, Sylvia Wheeler; uncle, Aldro French; step-children, Paul Smith and wife, Michelle and their two children, William Smith and wife, Kelly, and their two children, and Olivia Smith and partner, Hayden; his special love and companion, Poarch Sledd; his beloved four-pawed children, Scruffy, Mimi and Wanda, as well as many nieces, nephews and countless dear and wonderful friends.

Services will be held at the Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Road, Roanoke, Va., on Friday March 22, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. In addition, the service will be streamed for individuals unable to attend: https://studio.youtube.com/video/CZxD_ZYItlo/livestreaming.

A reception will follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in David's name to Unity of Roanoke Valley or to Angels of Assisi.