Michael Anthony Whaley

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Michael A. Whaley of Coalton, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his sleep, entering his heavenly home. He was 72 years old. Mike was born on February 17, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Mayford and Mary Anne (Green) Whaley. He was raised in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, a place he fondly described as full of charm, community, and memories he cherished for a lifetime. He graduated from Chagrin Falls High School with the Class of 1971. Following high school, Mike attended Dyke College in Cleveland, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting. He remained in the Cleveland area for several years before a career opportunity took him to San Francisco, California, in the early 1980s. Mike spent many years in San Francisco before health issues led him to take an early retirement. In 2004, he returned to Ohio and chose to settle in Coalton to be closer to his mother and sisters. Embracing small-town life, Mike quickly became part of the local community. His financial acumen and thoughtful demeanor led to his appointment to the Coalton Village Council, where he served with dedication from 2012 until 2022. His departure due to vision loss was met with heartfelt appreciation for his decade of devoted public service. Mike will be remembered for his deep love of family—he was part of a very large and tightly connected extended family. His mother, Mary Anne, is one of 17 siblings, and his father, Mayford, was one of 11. At one point, the count of first cousins alone from both sides of the family reached nearly 95! He had a lifelong passion for music—especially The Beatles—and loved attending concerts before his vision began to fail. Mike was also an avid sports fan with a deep loyalty to Cleveland’s teams, particularly the Cleveland Indians (they were always the Indians to him), followed closely by the Browns. Conversations about Browns football were a favorite pastime and will be sorely missed. Mike is survived by his mother, Mary Anne Whaley of Coalton; his sisters, Michele Whaley-Meacham of Coalton and Missy (Sam) Chamberlain Whaley of Athens; and his nieces and nephews: Geoffrey (Rosanne) Martin, Emerson (Blaise) Bartlett, Seeder (Ananda) Whaley, Mary Anne (Rob) Queen, Autumn Whaley, Bobbi Hallam, and Raven (Titus) Chamberlain. He also leaves behind many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews who adored their “Uncle Mike.” In addition, he is survived by his Uncle Paul (Candee) Green and his aunts: Vicki (Jim) Stewart, Sue (Paul) House, and Billie Jean Dirmeyer. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Mayford Whaley; his sister, Melanie Whaley; and his brother-in-law, Donald Meacham, Jr., along with numerous beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins who have gone before him. Mike will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. His wit, warmth, and unwavering devotion to family and community leave behind a legacy that will not be forgotten. A celebration of life service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home with Reverand Jim Stewart officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service from 12-1pm. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com.

Michael Anthony Whaley

February 17, 1953 - July 2, 2025