Joseph Siegferth

Joseph P. Siegferth Sr. (Coach) 80 passed away suddenly Saturday January 17 2004 at his home. Born February 22 1923 Joe was a life-long resident of Akron. Throughout the 12 years he attended St Vincent's School Joe's exceptional basketball skills emerged. He lettered 2 years in basketball gaining first team all-city honors in his senior year. After receiving a 4 year scholarship to Bowling Green State University Joe played basketball for the Falcons under the direction of Coach Harold Anderson who called Joe his finest captain in 29 years of coaching. His years at Bowling Green were interrupted when Joe answered the call to serve his country in the United States Navy during World War II. Joe started his teaching career in Akron Public Schools in 1948. He taught at Goodrich and Lincoln Schools. However his life-long dream was fulfilled when he was named head basketball coach at Central High in 1955 launching a legendary coaching career that spanned 27 years. His outstanding accomplishments included an overall record of 441-151 10 City Series titles including an unprecedented string of five straight. In all his teams have won 51 championships: one state seven regional 12 district and 21 sectional in addition to the 10 City Series crowns. The awards Joe received throughout his career were almost as numerous. He has been enshrined into the hall of fame of St. Vincent High Central- Hower High Summit County and Bowling Green State University. He was selected as Summit County Coach of the Year four times named Dapper Dan Man of the Year; was Associated Press Ohio Coach of the Year twice (1978 '80) and United Press International's in 1978. As a lasting tribute to this wonderful man Central-Hower's gym also bears his name. Beyond his list of ccomplishments Coach Siegferth held most dear his lasting relationships at Central/Central-Hower; including his assistant coaches players faculty and students. Upon his retirement Coach continued to be Central-Hower's number one fan. He along with his wife Frances attended most of Central-Hower's games. Joe was devoted to his grandchildren being actively involved in every area of their lives. The many hours spent volunteering in the Woodridge Schools made Grandpa Siegferth a familiar face and avid fan. ''We love you Grandpa.'' Joe was a longtime parishioner of St. Sebastian Church and a member of The Knights of Columbus. Preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Sarah Siegferth brothers George and Frank sisters Ruth and Hazel and sister and brother-in-law Patricia and John McKinstry. He is survived by wife Frances of 52 years brother Andrew (Rosemary deceased) son Joseph Jr. (Jeananne) precious grandchildren Jennifer and Joseph III sisters and brother-in-laws Mary and William Strabic Barbara and Donald Howard and a host of nieces nephews cousins and countless friends. The Akron area has lost a great human being and sports figure who will be dearly missed. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday January 20 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sebastian Church. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call at Hummel Funeral Home 500 E. Exchange St. TODAY from 3-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations may be made to The Joe Siegferth Scholarship Fund in care of Central-Hower High School 123 S. Forge Street Akron Ohio 44308 or St. Sebastian Church 476 Mull Avenue