Rev. Howard L. Seidel, Jr., 70, formerly of Canfield, went to be with his Savior on May 14, 2018, after a courageous seven year battle against corticobasal degeneration. Affectionately known as “Pastor Butch,” he was born February 19, 1948 in Youngstown, a son of Howard and Iris (Kuhlman) Seidel.
Raised in Poland, he was a 1966 graduate of Poland Seminary High School, where he excelled in football and track. In 2015, he was inducted into Poland Seminary High School’s Football Hall of Fame. Butch received a football scholarship to play for the Youngstown State University Penguins and received his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education.
He was first employed as a conductor for Conrail, retiring after 22 years of service. After retirement, he attended the Berean Bible College and was ordained as a pastor in the 80’s, and would later teach for the college. Pastor Butch first served as head of Men’s Ministries at Calvary Assembly of God, now known as Bridge of Hope, for 10 years, and then served as head pastor of River of Life Ministries for 28 years until just this past July.
Pastor Butch was also a member of the Shield of Faith Ministry and served as its treasurer. He truly was a man of faith and loved serving his fellow man, always making hospital calls, home visits, and trying to be there and support everyone in every way he could. A dedicated family man, Butch loved surrounding himself around his family and spending time with them.
He was proud to have officiated all three of his daughters marriages and was so proud of them and the men they chose. He loved being “Papa” and “Grandpa” to his six grandchildren, who always put a smile on his face and a sparkle in his eyes when they entered the room. In his free time, Pastor Butch enjoyed fishing at Lake Milton on his boat, watching football and NASCAR, and going on family vacations to Myrtle Beach and Disney.
He is survived by his wife, the former Susan H. Casciola, whom he married March 1, 1975; three daughters, Kimberly (Scott) Beight of Poland, Carrie (Jay) Schrock of Medina, and Kayla (Ross) Aiosa of Medina; two sisters, Linda Salazar of Plymouth, Michigan and Peggy Dingess of Youngstown; brother, Robin (Jennifer) Seidel of Blue Springs, Missouri; sister-in-law, Debbie Seidel of Glendale, Arizona; and six grandchildren, Isabella and Lola Beight, Logan and Carter Schrock, and Desmond and Derek Aiosa. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Seidel; and brother-in-law, Frank Salazar. Family and friends will be received on Monday from 4-7 p.m. and Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home followed by entombment at Green Haven Memorial Gardens. The family would like to express their appreciation and thank his hospice nurse Colleen and aide Nick for the wonderful care and support they gave to Pastor Butch over the past several months. Memorial tributes may take the form of contributions in Pastor Butch’s name to Crossroads Hospice, 3473 Boettler Oaks Dr., Suite E, Green, Ohio 44685 or to River of Life Ministries, 65 Palestine Ave.
, Youngstown, Ohio 44512. Please visit www. beckerobits.com to send condolences.
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