Michael Del Wheeler

Born on May 1, 1956 in Pasadena, California, he was the son of Del and Jane (Robinson) Wheeler and the oldest of 4 brothers. A lifelong native of the San Gabriel Valley, Michael graduated from Monrovia High School and resided in Glendora with his wife, Carolyn, for the last 38 years.

Michael was passionate about cooking and motorsports (NASCAR, Drags, Formula One, Motorcycles, Boat Racing - basically anything that had a motor and went fast). When deciding for his future career, he said that he was “debating between the two greases, of food and motors.” Michael honed his mechanical abilities and worked on cars, motorcycles, boats, etc; with a book (and more tools than he knew what to do with), he could fix anything. He crafted a successful career in auto mechanics and loved every minute while working at H&A Transmission for the last 5 years and Sierra Autocars for the last 44 years.

After meeting Carolyn at Sierra Autocars, Michael knew she was a keeper since she was the only woman who would actually get under a car with him. They were two peas in a pod and enjoyed 40 loving years together. After 17 years of marriage, the two were blessed with a beautiful gift, Scott; Michael enjoyed being a father and was supportive of all his son’s endeavors. He loved his family dearly and was so proud of his son Scott and the new addition of their granddaughter, Paisley, in 2020.

In his spare time, Michael enjoyed boating on the river and teaching all the kids to water ski, listening to music and watching racing at home, playing cribbage, pit crewing for race boats and motorcycles, and spending time with family and friends over a good beer or his tea. His friends and coworkers all became an adopted family, and he loved them all very much. Michael also continually fed his passion for cooking with BBQ, smoking meats, making homemade pizzas in his new pizza oven while perfecting all his recipes. He was always doing something; Michael loved life and will be missed greatly.

Michael was preceded in death by his infant brother Robin Scott and father Del Wheeler. Michael is survived by his wife Carolyn, son Scott, granddaughter Paisley, mother Jane, and brothers Jerry (Bette), Gregory (Patti), Stephen (Helen).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday October 8 from 12-4pm at the American Legion Building, Finkbiner Park, 159 N Cullen Ave, Glendora, California. To honor Michaels’ memory, please dress casual.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Michaels’ memory to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, https://givenow.lls.org. Recipient email: [email protected]