Joseph Wells

Joseph C. Wells, 83, of Columbus, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025 with family by his side. He was born on October 20, 1941, in Essex, NY, to the late Dennis and Anna McCarthy (Wells). Joe was married to his late wife Tammy for 35 years prior to her passing in 2006. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Edward, Thomas, Terry, and Bernard; and his son, John.

Joe retired from the US Air Force in 1983 after 24 years of service. His time spent in the service included 2 tours in Vietnam for which he received numerous commendations. During his final years in the service he was recognized as one of the top nursing recruiters for the Air Force.

He spent his retirement years pursuing many interests including kayaking, scuba diving, travel, and motorcycle riding. Joe traveled extensively across the continental United States via his beloved Harley Davidson. He completed multiple cross-country trips and racked up thousands of miles in the saddle. He met and made many friends along the way.

Joe was also an avid hunter. He grew up hunting with his father and brothers in Upstate New York. He loved nothing more than to make the trip back home to Willsboro, NY to hunt with his niece and nephews. He loved spending time with family doing what he loved to do. He often commented on how much he cherished those memories.

Joe will be greatly missed by his children, JoAnn (Bill) Cawthra, Leila Grogan, Bonnie (Larry) Schmid, and Teri (Michael) Gharrity; siblings, Margaret and Ann Marie; grandchildren, Gregory (Tracy) Robertson; great-grandchildren, Zoey and Archer; best friend, Mike (Renate) Smith; and many nieces and nephews who he held very dear.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 13, from 12pm until 3pm, at the Schoedinger Worthington funeral home, 6699 North High St., Worthington OH, 43085.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.