David Barney Wilder

David Barney Wilder, 61, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday March 25, 2017.  He was born August 31, 1955 in Painesville.  He was a 1973 graduate of Riverside High School in Painesville.  He went on to earn a degree in Sculpture in 1977 from the Rhode Island School of Design, an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati in 1997, an MFA in painting from Kent State University in 2003 and Masters in Library Science from Kent State University in 2007.  He was a Doctorial Candidate in Art History at Case Western Reserve University.  David committed his life to tirelessly fight for adjunct/contingent faculty rights, social justice and the environment.  He never failed to stand up for the needs of those people who were less fortunate!  He was a talented artist, teacher, union leader and historian.  David was a professor at Tri-C, John Carroll University and Cleveland State University.  He was a founding member of the Ohio Part Time Faculty Association and a key member of the New Faculty Majority.  He was a very kind and modest person who inspired many young and old minds alike, and he reminds us to keep fighting for what is right!  He was also a very witty individual who always kept us laughing.  He is survived by; a brother, J. Carter Wilder of Pittsburgh, PA; a sister, Sally Brennan of Coshocton, OH; several nieces and nephews including, Andrew Brennan (Linda) of Wilmington, DE, Maggie Babcock and Sara L. Brennan , both of Coshocton, OH, Nathan Wilder (Nicole) of Baltimore, MD, and Joel Wilder (Mary Beth) of Pittsburgh, PA.  He is also survived by eight great nieces and nephews and by one great-great niece.  He was preceded in death by his parents, James Carter Wilder and Lenore Ethel Wilder (nee Barney).  The family will receive friends on Saturday April 1, 2017 from 12:00 noon until the time of remembrances at 2:00pm in the Jardine Room, located in the JD Lombardo Student Center on the campus of John Carroll University.  Interment will be private at Evergreen Cemetery in Painesville.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the GoFundMe campaign setup in honor of David to support his final expenses.  Any excess funds raised will be used to setup a scholarship in David’s name.  Thank you to those who have already contributed.  The family would like to thank the Cleveland Police Department for their efforts, John Carroll University for their support and for hosting the memorial and Cleveland State University and Cuyahoga County Community College for their support during this time as well.  Finally, thank you for the outpouring of support from the community, family, friends, colleagues, students, and even strangers.  It is a true honor to David’s legacy.    

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