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William Michaels Obituary
William "Bill" Michaels, age 79, of Canton, a modest man of
many achievements, died on Monday, January 29, 2007, in Canton surrounded by his family. Bill was born in Youngstown, OH, on January 19, 1928. He graduated early in 1945 from Girard (Ohio) High School where he excelled in scholastics and sports. He won awards at the local and state level in football, basketball and track and field. After being offered an academic and full football scholarships by several of the nation's best universities, Bill attended and graduated from Notre Dame where he played on two national championship teams for legendary coach Frank Leahy, whose team won the national championship in 1947 at the L.A. Coliseum. Bill was recruited by the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Naval Air Force. After spending one season with the Steelers and before completing a Master's degree he was hired by General Motors and attended the General Motors Institute in Flint, MI. He eventually taught and coached football at Girard High School where he was head coach for several years, until he joined the Massillon coaching staff where he helped to win the State Championship in 1970 with a perfect season. Bill subsequently assistant coached and taught at Canton McKinley where the Bulldogs finished as state runners-up. "Coach" Bill retired from teaching in the Canton City Schools where he earned the affection and respect of hundreds of students in diverse subject areas and programs through his quiet determination and dignity. Bill was a loving and generous husband, father and grandfather and friend to many. He was an avid reader, patient fisherman and passionate Democrat. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Alexander Michaels; brother, Dr. Daniel S. Michaels; and granddaughter, Alexis Jay. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia; daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela and Joe Martuccio of Canton, Trisha and Rocco Ferruccio of Akron; sons, Brandon Michaels and Kathleen Watts of Boardman and William "Mike" Michaels of Canton; grandson, Joshua Jay of New York; granddaughters: Maria Martuccio of Cleveland and Kristen Michaels of Girard. Bill stated "Home is where the heart is" at his induction into the Girard Hall of Fame. He will find many warm homes in hearts throughout the country. At Bill's request there will be no calling hours or interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mercy Medical Hospital Program or local scholarship funds. Friends may send letters and cards to family members who will acknowledge their sentiments during a private family memorial service. Comments may also be emailed to:
[email protected]
Welch-Sekeres-Lewis,
330-452-4041
Please sign the guest book at www.cantonrep.com/obituaries
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Memories and Condolences
for William Michaels
Russ Hake
February 22, 2007
Pat and Family: I am proud to say that Bill Michaels was my coach and an inspiration in my early life. I have been a teacher and coach for over thirty five years and I have patterned my approach to Mr. William Michaels. Polite, kind, patient, and ever caring; A GREAT MAN. Pat and Bill where a couple that all should pattern themselves to. I am proud to have known Bill Michaels. Russ Hake - Girard Class of 1965.
Ronald Ragozine
February 21, 2007
Patty, I am really sorry to hear about Bill. I played football for Bill back in the later 60's. I really respected Bill as a coach and a teacher. At this point, I am the high school principal at Girard High School. Sorry again for your loss.
Renny Paolone
February 20, 2007
Pam, Joe, Trisha and Mrs. Michaels,
Coach Michaels was a truly wonderful man. I was proud to tell people that he was my High School Football coach. He left a lasting a imprint on my life.
Brenda and I are thinking of you.
Mariella Mestel
February 19, 2007
Dear Pam & Joe,
I was so very sorry to learn of the death of your father and father-in-law. He certainly raised a wonderful family and was a role model for courage at his most trying time. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your great loss.
Jean (O'Connor) Dillon
February 8, 2007
Dear Pat: I am sorry to hear of Bill's death. Want you to know he was such a good friend and classmate to those of us in the class of '45. He gave so much back to the school and made many lives better. Our prayers are with you all.
Jean O'Connor Dillon,GHS class of '45
Marjorie (Edwards) & Don Betts
February 8, 2007
Pat: We are sorry to hear of the death of our GHS Class of '45 classmate. From all reports "Willie" had a gereat career and touched many lives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family.
Patti Ferenczy
February 7, 2007
Dear Pam and the Michaels family,
My heartfelt condolences to you all. Though many years have gone by, I can remember us all thinking what a cool and handsome Dad Pam had. Even then, we all knew that Mr. Michaels adored his family. I know he will be missed by all, but what a wonderful legacy he has left, particularly his children.
Take care and our thoughts are with you all.
Love,
Patti (Greaves)Ferenczy
Patti (Troyan) Broadstone
February 7, 2007
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Your family has always been special to me as well as others. His life history was extremely interesting. I didn't realize all that he accomplished in his life. I just knew "Pam's" dad was a really cool and fun guy. I am so sorry for your loss. Love all of you.
Bill Hochadel
February 5, 2007
Dear Pat and Family: We are so sorry to hear of Willie's death. There are such good memories of he and I playing football together in Girard. We met again at Notre Dame as classmates and I enjoyed watching four undefeated seasons with Willie on the ND team. Willie was a great classmate and friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bill and Trudy Hochadel,Members of GHS Class of '45.
Sally Savage
February 4, 2007
Dear Pat and family. We are saddened by the news of Willie's death. He was such an important part of our lives as a member of the Girard High School Class of '45. We were sorry he missed our 60th class reunion but we did have a good talk on the phone.
He was a good friend to all of us.
Our prayers are with all of you.
Sally Savage and Oscar McCorkle, Las Vegas, NV. Class of '45.
Joyce Imhof
February 4, 2007
"Willie" will always be remembered as the football hero of the Class of 1945 at Girard High School. He was friendly, kind--and very handsome:) I'm sure he will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Steve and Barbara Dubos
February 2, 2007
To Brandon and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Charlie and Deane Jamieson
February 1, 2007
The world is darker today because of Bill's death. We feel we have lost a brother. Our 48 year friendship has been one of both joy and sadness but through it all we always knew we could count on each other. Our love and prayers are with you. Talk to you soon and we love all of you.Charlie and Deane Jamieson
Rose Schneider-Bardnell
February 1, 2007
Pat, Just want to extend my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Husband.I haven't seen you in awhile but think of you often when I pass your street. Again sorry for your loss. Rose
Daina Wood (Knox)
February 1, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Luke & Holly Watts
February 1, 2007
Our deepest sympathy is with both you and your family. You lived life to the fullest and will be remembered for your greatness. May God lift you up and continue to bless you!
Marie DeCapua DePizzo
February 1, 2007
I heard about the loss of your loved one from Brandon's friend. I extend to all of you my sympathy. In reading his obituary, William touched so many lives. My prayer for your family is for you to have inner peace at this difficult time. God bless your family; William, rest in peace.
Gloria Briya
February 1, 2007
I am a friend of Brandon Michaels. I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the entire family on the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in knowing that William is at peace with Our Lord. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Gloria Briya
February 1, 2007
I am a friend of Brandon Michaels. I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the entire family on the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in knowing that William is at peace with Our Lord. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Kathy Watts Kocan
January 31, 2007
I loved you even when you made me stick my gum on my nose in ninth grade study hall. Bill, you were a sweet and gentle man I came to really know much too late in my life. But I will always treasure those special times; your quiet demeanor, your loving ways, your passion for politics, which so inspired me. I will miss you, but I will cherish the memory of having known you.
Milton Young
January 31, 2007
To the family sorry about your lost.Coach Michaels was one of the greatest defensive coaches Mckinley ever had. He knew how to bring the best out of you as a player. He made you look deep in yourself and pull that extra that you didnt think you had out. So i say thanks to him for showing me when you think your giving a 100% that you can dig deeper and get more out of yourself on the football field and life. Thanks
Mike Hershberger
January 31, 2007
I send my condolences. Bill was a great gut and I enjoyed be around him. My prayers are with Bill and the family.
Sharon Commings
January 31, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to your entire family. Sharon and the entire Commings family share your grief.
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