Obituary of Roger V. Lewis

Roger passed away on January 16, 2016 after fighting through a series of illnesses. He was born on February 11, 1942 in Hagerstown, Md. to Wally Lewis and Mary Louise Clark, who preceded him in death. He attended South Hagerstown High School where he excelled in academics finishing in the top 10 of his class. His life was an adventure and his stories legendary. His wife, Rita; daughter, Catina; son-in-Law, Ben; and his grandchildren, Joanna, Louis and Rocco were fortunate to be included on his journey. While his family was his heart, his passion was coaching, and football was part of his soul. “Coach” loved every minute on the field while coaching his “boys”. He was the head football coach at Coventry High School where he was known as Coach Evil, along the way he also coached at Tallmadge, Woodridge, East and St. Mary in Altoona, Pa. Not only did he coach football, but while at Coventry he also coached girls softball, which he said was some of the most fun he ever had. He ended his coaching career on the field at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School as an assistant for his friend John Cistone. He loved his Irish and also served as a member of the Irish Athletic Booster Club for many years. Over his life he was a band manager, a golf pro, a teacher, and a warehouse manager for Reiter Dairy in Akron, Ohio. He met many people over the years, including, Rocky Marciano, Mean Joe Green and Tina Turner. He knew everyone in a room and was a great friend. Even though his life was full it was his title of grandfather that he was most proud. He was so excited at seeing Jo and Lou take the field at his beloved St. Vincent-St. Mary as members of the girls soccer team and football team. He beamed with joy telling people about his buddy Rocco, with whom he had lunch with every day. Roger would not want to be mourned, instead he would have wanted a party. So when you think of him, raise your glass and make a toast to Coach. He will be missed. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, 10 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 161 W. Clinton St. Doylestown, Ohio 44230. (PROCESSION TO FORM AT THE CHURCH). Fr. Robert Stein celebrant. Interment at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. Akron, Ohio 44301. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made to the Jim Kelly Memorial Scholarship at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. (Anthony, Akron, 330-724-1281, www.anthonyfh.com)