Philip H. Maynard

Philip H. Maynard, 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 1, 2021. He was born to Norman and Marian Maynard, he attended St. Francis de Sales Parish School and Archbishop Hoban High School. After leaving Kent State University to enter military service in Japan, Phil returned home with his new bride, Takako and started working a temporary job on Gilchrist Road at Akron Storage and Warehouse while finishing his degree and starting a family. Under the tutelage of his mentor Paul Tell, Phil rose from a dock worker to CEO and Sole Proprietor of Akron Storage and Warehouse, becoming a true Horatio Alger story who never took his success for granted. His business acumen allowed him to become a preeminent philanthropist and servant leader in the greater Akron area, receiving many accolades and serving on dozens of non-profit boards and organizations. Though his business expertise and success could have taken him quite literally anywhere in the world, Akron remained his home and he made a conscious effort to stay involved in his community as a steadfast supporter of the city's businesses, arts, schools, health services and ministries. His focus centered on "Do Better, Be Better" and the impact he made on Akron and beyond through his humble, persistent commitment to service and leadership will be felt for generations to come. Many local organizations and individuals called on his quiet wisdom and abundant generosity. Phil maintained an open door philosophy with those who sought his mentorship and honest guidance, keeping a full schedule until his last working day a few weeks ago. He prided himself on sharing his knowledge and vast networking resources with hopeful entrepreneurs and emerging leaders. Compassion and integrity were the cornerstone of his leadership, and this Christ-like approach became his lasting legacy. Phil's faith reached into his friendships with priests and religious in the diocese along with many cherished ecunemical bonds as well. His strong belief in God allowed him to enter his final days with complete trust in the Lord's hands. While known as a keen businessman in his professional life, Phil was a gentle family man who cherished his time with his six grandchildren. Whether it was sitting front row at Austin's musicals or on the couch listening to Julia's recent Goodreads, making the drive to South Bend to visit Allie and cheer on Notre Dame, or attending Luke and Andrew's basketball games and serving as Abby's confirmation sponsor, his loving support never wavered. Preceded in death by his parents and his beloved niece, Rebecca, Phil leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Takako; daughters, Amy (T.K.) Griffith and Emily (Matt) Eckart; his grandchildren, Allie, Austin, Abby, Andrew, Julia and Luke; sister, Nancy (Gary); brother, Peter (Susan); nephew, Simon (Denise) Maynard and niece, Heidi (Guillermo) Arbona; grand-nephews and nieces, Isabella, Andres, Gabriel, Samantha, Thomas and Camilla. The family would like to salute the incredible medical providers at Akron Summa Hospital who devoted their hearts and minds to the care of Phil and others. We witnessed first-hand their bravery, compassion and strength. Per Phil's wishes, there will be no calling hours and a private ceremony will be held for the family. Donations may be made to Archbishop Hoban High School or to The Maynard Family Foundation. In his four years of military service, his roommate Dick Johnson shared that his Japanese friends referred to Phil as "Kenji-San." Translated it means: Man of wisdom, with iron purpose, respected by many. Phil, Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle Phil, Papa, Dear Friend, Mr. Maynard, Kenji-San: We love you and we will miss you so much.