May 25, 1959 �" May 29, 2016
Dave Wheeler, much loved former manager of the Edge, passed away in a Rome hospital May 29, 2016 at age 57. He was taken to the hospital May 4 at the beginning of a much-anticipated vacation in Italy with his partner of 18 years, Bert Hobbs.
Dave battled diabetes and various ailments, but he never dwelt on it and had a smile, a joke, and a warm welcome for all in his wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
Dave was born in Columbus, Ohio on May 25 1959 and grew up in the area. He married Julie Petruzzelli in March 1980. His daughter, Amanda, was born that December. In 1984 Dave moved his family to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to work for Sony as a recording studio equipment technician. In 1987 they moved to Nashville, Tennessee. He traveled widely for work and met numerous recording artists. In 1992, he and Julie divorced and he moved to San Francisco.
Dave became friends with Eric Weinmann, the prior Edge manager with whom he shared a love for Elvis. When Dave took the job as manager he continued the monthly basket contest benefiting AIDS Emergency Fund hosted by his friend, Danny Williams. Dave went well beyond his job to support the community and make the Edge an enjoyable place to be. The Edge held numerous benefits while he was manager and he was usually there making sure things went well and to handle the lights and sound. You would often find Dave at the Edge in the afternoon standing precariously on the top of a ladder decorating or adding lights for an upcoming event.
Dave loved music and had an extensive collection of CDs and LPs, which he loaded onto a portable hard drive. He started playing oldies from his laptop on Sundays at the Edge. It became very popular. He was happy just seeing people enjoying his music. Dave was always glad to take requests and could find songs with only vague clues.
As any of Dave's friends could tell you, he was a loyal and generous friend. He had a quiet demeanor but a devilishly fun sense of humor. And he always had a ready smile.
Besides Bert, Dave is survived by sisters, Jeanie Wheeler and Rhonda Cremeans; daughter Amanda Wheeler and stepdaughter Amelia Wonderly; as well as many cousins. His Castro family is immense and in deep grief over Dave's unexpected passing.
Dave may be gone, but with so many people thankful to have known him, he will not be forgotten.
A celebration of Dave's life is planned for Saturday, July 9 from noon to 3 p.m. at 440 Castro Street.