Harold F Minnich

Harold “Hal” Minnich—the beloved husband, father and friend who cut the hair of thousands at his shop on one of Elyria’s busiest intersections—has passed away at the age of 88. Hal died peacefully surrounded by family on Oct. 5. Minnich’s Barbershop on the corner of East River and East Broad served as a community focal point for more than 40 years.

 

Hal was also well-known as an Elyria Catholic supporter, serving as president of the EC Dads Booster Club for 46 years. The group raised well over a million dollars in support of the school during that time. A devout Catholic, he was heavily involved in numerous programs and initiatives at St. Jude Catholic Church.

Hal was born on Nov. 27, 1934 to Fred and Margaret (Rahrig) in a house on West 12^th Street in Elyria. He was part of the first four-year class to attend Elyria Catholic. Hal served in the Army during the Korean War as a radio operator on a patrol boat. He married Eileen (nee Downie) and the couple raised four children — Dan (Kathy) of Westerville, Ohio; David (Yolanda) of Lorain; Anne Marie Hamilton of Concord, Ohio; and Steven (Laura) of Columbus. All four children are EC graduates.

 

“Hal loved life—he always had a smile for everyone, and was the eternal optimist,” said his son Dan. “Family and faith were his top priorities. After that, it was all about serving and helping others, and enjoying his wonderful life in the process.”

 

Hal was an ardent fisherman who invited his countless friends on Lake Erie fishing outings each summer. He also was a phenomenal gardener who drove around town dropping off bags full of fresh vegetables to friends and barbershop customers. Years ago, Hal organized regular dinner dances for parents at St. Jude, the parish’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration and numerous trips to Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns games.

 

Hal was extremely generous with his time and talent. Among his numerous good deeds, he provided free haircuts via house calls to the sick and needy. At the request of a spouse, he would go to the funeral home to give a deceased friend or customer a final haircut. He contributed regularly to many charitable causes. He was a longtime active member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW, American Legion and Korean War Veterans organizations.

 

Hal is survived by his wife Eileen of 62 years; his four children; four sisters-in-law: Kate Downie Gombach of Lorain, Marge (Robert) Leghart of Amherst, Laura (Frank) Leon of Lorain, and Rosemary (Thomas) Hesmond of Avon. He is also survived by grandchildren Matt, Bowen, Emery, Wyatt, Piper, Jon and Sgt. Spec Ops Sean Minnich, and Reese and Benjamin Hamilton; and by one great-grandchild.

 

Hal was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard and Frank Minnich; by three sisters: Rita Woodward, Ruth Keller, and Mary Jane Bungard; and by three brothers-in-law: Fred (Sharon) Downie, Hugh (Eileen) Downie, and Tony (Kate) Gombach.

 

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 5:00 -8:00 pm for visitation at Reichlin Roberts Bollinger Funeral Home, 327 Cleveland Street, Elyria.  A funeral Mass will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church, 590 Poplar Street, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11.  Interment at St. Mary Cemetery is 11:45 a.m., 7284 Lake Avenue, Elyria.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Elyria Catholic Dads Booster Club.