John Alan HAMILTON

HAMILTON John Alan Educator John Alan Hamilton, born April 16, 1946, in Akron, OH, to Cecil and Mary Hamilton, died of cancer May 2, 2012, at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale, FL. After graduating from Ashland High School and the University of Toledo, John was chosen Educator of the Year in 1998 by Sylvania Schools, where he was a teacher and administrator for 35 years. He cared about all his students and did all he could to see that they had the opportunity to succeed. In 2007, John and his wife moved to Lakeland, FL to enjoy their retirement and take lots of cruises together. He was a member of the Lakeland Bass Club and loved bass fishing all year round. A loving husband and father, John was quick to laugh at a joke, or share one of his own. Most importantly, he was always willing to help a friend or family member in need. He leaves many friends in Toledo and Lakeland, as well as thousands of students whose lives he touched. John is survived by his wife, Sandy Hamilton of Lakeland; son, Mark Hamilton and his fiancée, Connie Murray, of Toledo, OH; step-daughters, Cindy (John) Rocray of Madison, MS and Jennifer Fox of Raleigh, NC; sister, Linda Smalley (Rodger) of Medina, OH, and granddaughters, Rachel and Caroline Rocray. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Susan. A casual celebration of life will be held June 2, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. in Olander Park, 6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to Susan's Smiles at Sunshine Foundation, Inc., 7223 Western Road, Maumee, OH 43537-9656.