Marvin Edward Grether

The Unforgettable Story of Marvin Edward Grether (1945 – 2025)

Marvin Edward Grether, age 80 of Akron, Ohio, closed his eyes in death on September 27, 2025. He now rests in the promise of a resurrection on a paradise Earth, a belief that brought him great comfort. Marvin was a fifth-generation Northampton-ite from Northampton Township, now Cuyahoga Falls.

Marvin's life was not a simple path, but a profound testament to the power of perseverance and the unshakable strength of a family's love. Born a gifted and talented artist, he was tragically ahead of his time, misunderstood by a society that could not yet comprehend his autism and Tourette syndrome. This lack of understanding robbed him of a high school graduation and intensified his struggles.

The search for help led to a heartbreaking period at Hawthornden State Hospital. After five years of near-silence, Marvin was courageously rescued by his devoted brother, Gary Wayne Grether, who championed his release just as patients' rights began to emerge. Though he returned home a shell of the person he once was, haunted by fear and unable to leave the family acreage, he was sustained by the tireless love of his mother, Marguerite Lillian Grether Lohr, and his brother Gary.

The Dawn of Understanding

In 1977, a new light entered his life: Bud Gosser, who became a pseudo father figure and helping Companion to his Mom and family.

The family spent years battling a system that denied Marvin mental health assistance because his IQ of 145 was deemed "too high." That long-sought validation arrived in 1995 with the introduction of developmental disabilities care.

Marvin found true purpose and discovered genuine hope and joy while attending the Blick Center day programs. An "amazing team" through Summit DD and the Blick Center-including Dayna Jacobs, Mario, Jodi, Terrie, Crystal, Nurse Beth, and Dr. Blakeslee-helped him rebuild his life with dignity and belonging.

His inner circle of champions grew:

In 2009, Micah Sonntag joined his household, quickly becoming family. Micah possessed the magical touch of turning Marvin's fearful "I can't" into a triumphant "I can," often sealed with the bribe of a Polar Pop, Marvin's favorite delight.

In the 1980s, he and Gary befriended Tony Scarpitti, a relationship that proved invaluable. Tony later founded A Caring Touch Providers with Jennifer Coffman. Tony's profound knowledge of the Ohio Medicaid system and State Regulations made it possible for Gary to formally foster Marvin in 2014, making an immeasurable difference in their lives.

Tony's heartfelt care has been beyond measure. A highlight was taking Marvin to see Petula Clark in person at Canton's Palace Theater. His dedication to Marvin's care, proved invaluable!

Holly Maffitt became a deeply caring sister/friend to the brothers in 1987.

A Completed Life

A long-standing sorrow was finally healed in 2022 when Marvin was honored with a diploma from Woodridge High School. This correction, decades overdue, was made possible by his loving cousin, Jennifer Jill Pyle (Short, Lovelace), a Woodridge teacher whose pertinent request was immediately granted by the school board. This moment completed Marvin and filled a void that had persisted for years.

Marvin cherished simple pleasures: trips with Gary and Micah to Amish country, antiquing, and diners across Ohio. He also enjoyed day trips with Cousin Barb, friend Keith Knight, and Micah's mother, Ann.

In his later years, joy was found in routine: his monthly haircut with David at A Razor in West Hill; his beloved "blimp breakfast, the #2" at the Akron Family Restaurant, served by his friends Nick, Kelli, Tonya, Cristina, Meredith, and Liz; and the comforting presence of friends Audrey and Sammy K. He lit up during "surprise" visits from his nephew Markie and niece Davi and his "fur-niece," Daisy.

Marvin enjoyed attending the Kingdom Hall Meetings at The Northhill Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, welcomed with open arms by friends like Brother George and Sister Margaret Arthur.

His life was full of the joy of music-especially Connie Francis enjoyed with Tony and '40s and '50s hits- along with his brother Mark's pictures of boating and fishing, and the unconditional love of his many "fur-babies."

Family Legacy

Marvin is survived by his devoted brothers, Gary Wayne Grether and Mark Allen Grether, and his nephew Mark F. and wife, Davi Grether. He is also survived by cousins Lynn and Jerry Cook and their children Tricia and Bunk and family, Shirley Grether Miller, and Kenny Grether, along with many loving Grether, Shaffer, Etter, Decker, Parry, Prior, and Hardy cousins.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Marguerite Lillian Grether Lohr; his grandparents, Edward and Priscilla (Shaffer) Grether; Aunts Norma Grether Fiester and Glenda Suggett; Uncles Clyde, Vernon, Ervin, and Kenneth and their families. Also, Cousins Caryl Ruth Hardy Short, Valerie Fiester Parry, Jeanne Tonkin, Karen Grether, Troy Suggett, and Edward Grether.

To the many family and friends-including Brigitte, Brenda, Jayne, Sandee, Lorna, Mike, Elaina, Cousins Judy and Jack, and Stephannie "Et al"-who had a part in Marvin's journey, your compassion and efforts will not be forgotten. You helped write the unforgettable final chapters of his life.

Family will receive friends
Thursday, October 2nd, from 5-8pm at
the Cannon-Catavolos Funeral Home
6953 W130th St. Parma Heights
Graveside Services will be held
Tuesday, October 7th, 2:30pm at
Northampton Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls
(Please meet at gate by 2:20pm)
While flowers and trees are appreciated, the family requests donations be made through this site (using the "Donations" tab) to help alleviate the cost of funeral expenses.
For online tributes and condolences please visit www.C-Cfuneralhome.com