Marvin W. “Coach” Beal of Wadsworth, OH, 71, passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2018. Born May 24, 1946 in Akron, OH to the late Leona (Keck) and Norman Beal. Marvin married Mary (Stitz) after they both graduated college and spent one month shy of 49 years enjoying life, and celebrating their love for each other, their children and grandchildren.
Marvin was a graduate of East High School, Class of 1964, where he was quarterback of the football team, pitcher of the baseball team, played basketball and was Senior Class President. He attended West Virginia Tech on a basketball scholarship and then transferred to The University of Akron on a baseball scholarship where he was awarded for his pitching and was a four-year letterman. He was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and graduated in 1968 with a B.S. in Education.
Marvin started his teaching and coaching career with Barberton School System in 1968. In addition, he received the “Jennings Scholar Award” for his early teaching and received “Teacher of the Year” numerous times. While coaching, Marvin became Barberton High School’s all-time winningest baseball coach by directing the Magics to 254 victories in 19 seasons.
Along the way, Beal’s teams won nine sectional titles and four district crowns. Marvin’s crowning season was in 1986 when he guided Barberton to the regional title and the first round of the State finals. He followed that performance by directing the Magics to the 1987 NEO Championship and was voted Metro Coach of the Year.
He was inducted into the Barberton Sports Hall of Fame in 1993, the Akron East High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, the Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003, Summit County All Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Phi Delta Theta – Ohio Epsilon Chapter Hall of Fame in 2010. After 35 years of teaching and coaching, Marvin retired but remained active in the Barberton School System as a substitute teacher. He was the official timekeeper for many Barberton High School sports until his death.
Marvin was the favorite of thousands of students and athletes during and after his career. He was an active member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church where he enjoyed worshiping with many of his past students and their families. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Mark Gabler.
He is survived by his loving wife Mary of Wadsworth; son, Matthew W. Beal of Westlake; daughters, Mindy (Matt) Kmiec of Wadsworth, Megan Beal (fiancé, Craig Bringman) of Columbus; grandson, Mitchell Gabler of Wadsworth; brothers, Norman (Cheryl) Beal of Williamsburg, VA, Roger (Paulette) Beal of Stow; brothers-in-law, Jay (Marilyn) Stitz of Akron, Carl (Donna) Stitz of Ocean View, DE; sisters-in-law, Aggie Stitz of Akron, Alice (Jim) Kormanik of San Antonio, TX, Ruth Stitz of Mogadore, Nancy (Michael) Reichart of Port Washington, OH; along with many, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Marvin’s family will receive friends on Friday, May 25th from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at the Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, 566 W. Park Ave. , Barberton 44203.
Additionally, family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. prior to the Mass of Christian burial to be held Saturday, May 26th at 11:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1263 Shannon Ave. , Barberton 44203, Fr. Robert Jackson, celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marvin’s name to the Barberton High School Athletic Department or Prince of Peace Catholic Church.
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