Wesley E. Tolle

Wesley Eugene Tolle, age 82, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully, Tuesday, December 30, 2025, in Amberwood Manor at New Philadelphia following a brief period of declining health.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 30, 1942, Wesley was a son of the late Wesley and Ester Horsley Tolle. After his graduation from Walnut Hills High School, Wesley obtained a bachelor degree from Kent State University where he studied Psychology and Mathematics and stayed at Kent to obtain a Master’s Degree in Mathematics. In 1970 he began a 39-year career with Kent State University Tuscarawas where he taught various levels of math classes. For a number of years, Wesley even found time to host a weekly spot which aired on Sundays with WJER, entitled “WHAT’S NEW AT KSU”.

From the very beginning, Wesley’s eyesight may have been unreliable, but his outlook on life was anything but limited. By 2002, he was completely blind, a minor inconvenience, really, for someone determined to experience everything anyway.

If there were such a thing as a “casual savant,” Wesley fit the bill. He possessed a photographic memory, picked up languages with ease, and could effortlessly converse in Spanish, Russian, and German; just in case English ever got boring. Music was another of his many gifts. A self-taught guitarist with perfect pitch, Wesley could move seamlessly between acoustic and electric, favoring a rosewood acoustic and holding a long-standing affection to Gretsch electrics. His taste in music was as eclectic as his personality—wide-ranging and always interesting.

Wesley loved a good debate, especially when it involved world or U.S. politics or a deep dive into American history. These conversations were best enjoyed over a fine cigar in one hand and either a smooth bourbon or his beloved cognac in the other. He had a knack for turning casual chats into memorable conversations.

Never one to let practicality get in the way of fun, Wesley proudly purchased his own airplane, a Cessna 177B Cardinal, —fully aware he couldn’t fly it himself. The joy was in knowing he could. He loved taking to the skies with his pilot and good friend, Brad, proving once again that being blind wasn’t going to stop him from having fun in life. When his feet were planted on the earth, Wesley found peace at his cozy cabin on Atwood Lake and enjoyed cruising the water on his pontoon with family, soaking in the good company.

Over the years, Wesley has provided housing to countless families through his rental property business. Many of his tenants were longtime renters who often turned to him for the needs of their own family or friends.

In 1999, Wesley began dating Jeanne Marie Oloff, and on May 20, 2006, they married. Jeanne quickly became his partner in adventure, curiosity, and the occasional academic challenge—often helping him assemble math tests or explore a brand-new interest. Together, they made a team built on love, laughter, and shared discovery.

In addition to his wife, Wesley is survived by two brothers-in-law, Frank (Teresa) Oloff and Mike Maire; a sister-in-law, Sandra Oloff; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Wesley was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Tolle, and two sisters-in-law, Lynda Maire and Dianne Oloff.

A celebration of Wesley’s life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 1 – 3 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia, where guests are invited to join the family in sharing stories of Wesley.

Memorial contributions in Wesley’s name may be directed to the Salvation Army, 809 Emmet Avenue NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

Wesley’s life was proof that vision isn’t about what you see—it’s about how boldly you live.