Paul Gidich, 83, Ohio State University Hall of Famer

He was born December 20, 1928 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and had resided in Lorain most of his life.

Paul graduated from Lorain High School in 1946. He attended the Ohio State University where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Education. He was also the starting catcher on the Buckeye baseball team and played on the football team. Paul served with the US Army as a Corporal during the Korean War. After his discharge, he returned to Ohio State and earned his Masters Degree in Education Administration. Years later, Paul was honored with his election into the Ohio State University Hall of Fame for his accomplishments on the baseball diamond.

Paul began his teaching career at Fairhome Elementary School in Lorain. It was there that he met his future wife Martha. Paul served as Principal of Oakwood, Palm and Hawthorne-Boone Schools in Lorain retiring in 1984.

Paul was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Lorain. He was an original member and current President of the Board of Directors of the Lorain School Employees Credit Union. He served on the Board of Directors for 55 years and held the oldest active account in the Credit Union.

Paul was an avid athlete playing hockey, baseball and football. He enjoyed duck and pheasant hunting, perch fishing, camping, boating and traveling. He had traveled to all 50 states and all provinces of Canada with his wife Martha. Above all, he was devoted to his family.

He is survived by his children Paul C. Gidich (Celeste) of Columbus, Mary Bari o f Amherst, Jean Gidich-Holbrook (Pat) of Elmore, grandchildren Penelope Clay, Drew Holbrook, Meaghan Bari, Shawn Bari, Devon Holbrook, Haleigh Bari and Rebecca Bari and great grandchildren Autumn Carsey and Kiersten Carsey. He was preceded in death by his wife Martha L .Gidich (nee Calland) in 2011, daughter Ruth Anne Gidich in 1965, parents Andrew and Anna Gidycz (nee Boback), sister Irene Fick and brothers Michael Gidich, Jack Gidich and Andrew Gidycz.

The family will receive friends Friday 2-4, 7-9 pm at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave, Lorain. Additional viewing time will be on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of the funeral mass at 10:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1305 E. Erie Ave., Lorain. The Rev. Richard Hudak, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Lorain where the VFW Post #451 and American Legion Post #30, both of Lorain will conduct military honors.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Paul Gidich Educational Fund, c/o Lorain School Employees Credit Union, 4459 Oberlin Ave, Lorain, OH. 44053.

Online condolences can be made at www.gluvna.net.