Harold Hall

Harold Hall, age 96, of Kent, OH, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at KentRidge Senior Living.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, Lee, Lester, Don, and Norv; first wife of 37 years Norma (Marek) Hall; and second wife of 28 years Lee Lillick Hall.

Harold was born August 26, 1929 in Tacoma, OH to the late Wilford and Ethel (Pickett) Hall. Harold was born into a Quaker family, the fourth of five brothers. His strong faith, steady and calm demeanor, and desire to help others were apparent throughout his life.

Hal graduated from Reynoldsburg High School in 1949, where he played football, was a member of the band, and served as class president. He earned a degree in Education from Ohio State University, and a Master’s Degree from Case Western Reserve. His career as a lifelong educator began as a 5th grade teacher in Clintonville and later in Cleveland Heights. After being stationed in Germany while in the US Army from 1954-56, Hal returned home and became principal at Wilcox Elementary in Twinsburg, followed by Chippewa Elementary in Brecksville. He left Brecksville as Superintendent of Schools to become Superintendent of Portage County Schools, the position from which he retired in 1988.

Hal enjoyed sharing his love of music with family and friends. While at Ohio State, he was a proud member of the marching band, playing the sousaphone. He was honored to “Dot the I” during the band’s performance of Script Ohio as a student in 1950, and again with the Alumni Band in 1992.

Whether listening to the Cleveland Orchestra on the lawn at Blossom Music Center with his family in the 1970’s, or playing tuba as a long-time member of the Goodyear Concert Band as they performed concerts at local churches and nursing homes, Hal was well liked by all and a positive influence wherever he was. He was active in Rotary, Garden Club of Kent, Portage County Gardeners, and Tree City Carvers, as well as a long-time member of the Kent United Methodist Church.

A skilled and passionate gardener, Hal was generous with his time and talents. Backyard vegetable gardens, flower beds at home, and a plot in the local community garden kept him happy and engaged with many gardening friends. He was especially known for growing dahlias, a Hall family tradition. Growing and crafting gourds was another rewarding hobby, and for several years Hal served as president of the American Gourd Society. In retirement he spent much time golfing and relaxing at Muzzy Lake with family and friends.

He is survived by his daughters, Alison (Tim) Getz, Rachel (Jack) Damioli and Tracy (Chris) Coakley; stepson, Kent (Marybeth) Lillick; grandchildren, Ryan (Katie) Getz, Holly (Neil) Leonard, Deanna and Elizabeth Damioli, Matthew and Tony Lillick, as well as great grandchildren, Charlie and Graham Leonard.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, January 23, 2026, at United Methodist Church of Kent with Rev. Nathan Howe officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Kent United Methodist Church.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.