Michael Simington 1947-2021

Mike was born Oct. 4, 1947, to Margaret “Peg” Ahrens and William “Bill” Simington, and grew up in Poland, where he was a lifelong resident.

He was a Poland Bulldog at heart, with blue and white running through his veins. He graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1966 as a star football player and received a football scholarship to Miami University, where he was coached by Bo Schembechler. He later graduated from Mount Union College, where he was honored as the Outstanding Senior Man of the Year. Mike was also a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. Mike received his master’s degree in English literature from Kent State University and returned to Poland, where he taught high school English and literature for many years and was named Teacher of the Year. Mike was also football and track coach, serving as head football coach from 1984 to 1985. Mike was inducted into the Poland High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. After 37 years of service, Mike retired in 2012.

Mike was a voracious reader and had an extensive collection of books. He loved poetry and historical biographies; his favorite authors were Ernest Hemingway and Pat Conroy.

Mike was a member of Poland Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and elder.

He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Philip Simington, in 2006; his father, William Simington in 1987; and his mother, Margaret Ahrens Simington, in 1969.

Mike is survived by his daughter and best friend, Meredith Simington (fiance Matt Smith), and son, Stephen Simington, all of Akron. He also leaves his very loving sisters, Margaret “Peggy” (Robert) Wilson of Coronado, Calif., and Roberta “Bobbie” Simington of Corrales, N.M.; as well as his “sweetheart,” Regina Riesick.

Mike was respected and loved by all who knew him.

A memorial service honoring Mike’s life will be held Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Poland Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Paul Anderson officiating. Interment will follow in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

Arrangements are by the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.

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