Gary W. Huber

He was born on February 15, 1942, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Russell “Rawhide” and Mildred (Hansen) Huber. The Huber family moved to Atwater, Ohio in 1951 and Gary graduated in 1960 from Atwater High School where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. His baseball ability as a catcher earned him a scholarship at Kent State University where he graduated in 1964.

Upon graduation from Kent State, he became a teacher at James A. Garfield Schools and was appointed head football and baseball coach. In 1965 he led the G-Men to their first winning football season in 25 years with a record of 5-4. The saying that year was, “Come Alive in 65.” Gary moved on to Rootstown High School in 1968 where he served as physical education teacher, head football coach, and baseball coach for 6 years.

In 1974, Gary moved on to Streetsboro High School where he served as the Rockets physical education teacher and athletic director for 36 years. For his dedication and service to Streetsboro Athletics, Gary was honored by becoming a member of the Streetsboro Athletic Hall of Fame and the Rockets baseball field was renamed “Gary Huber Field.”

Gary married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Linda Matjunas on November 23, 1962. Gary and Linda were lifelong residents of Ravenna until they moved to Redwood Estates in Brimfield in 2018.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Russ and Mildred Huber, beloved step-mother Wilma, brother Larry Harper, and sister Evelyn Luke. He is survived by Linda, wife of 58 years, and the center of his life, his three children: Jeff (Rachael), Kim, and Chris (Melanie). He is also survived by his best friend, brother Bill (Sandy) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gary was an avid fisherman and loved to take Jeff and Chris to Canada every summer fishing when they were young children. In 2000, Gary and brother Bill started “2 Hubers Fishing Charters” on Lake Erie. Gary served as first mate and his passion was teaching young children how to perch and walleye fish. You could hear him shout “Fish On” halfway across the lake when a big one was hooked.

Gary was also an avid Ohio State Buckeye Football fan. Anytime he received a call on his cell phone you would hear the Buckeye Fight Song as his ringtone. Every time Ohio State landed a bigtime football recruit, Gary could count on a quick phone call from son Chris to let him know all about who it was. Often when Gary would answer his phone, instead of a friendly hello, you would hear “Go Bucks.”

Besides loving the outdoors, Gary’s other favorite activity was being a high school basketball referee for over 20 years. He was recognized as one of the best officials in the state and would travel many miles to officiate a game. As one of the best in the state, he was appointed to referee numerous Ohio High School Basketball State Championship tournament games in Columbus.

Friends and family will be received Sunday, July 11, 2021, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM in the Auditorium of the new Streetsboro High School, located at 8585 State Route 14, Streetsboro, OH 44241. Please enter the school through Door 6. Funeral services will be officiated by Rich Hall, Pastor of Atwater Congregational Church, on Monday, July 12, 2021, at 11:00 AM in the Auditorium. Interment will follow at Atwater Cemetery next to his dad and step-mother.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Gary’s name to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Portage APL, 8122 Infirmary Rd, Ravenna, OH 44266.