John “Chip” Fohl, III went home to his heavenly father on Monday, February 8, 2021. Chip was born June 3, 1945 in Canton, OH to the late John and Harriet (Courtright) Fohl. He left behind his wife and companion of 51 years, Lois (Sprankle) Fohl of East Canton, OH, his daughters Tina Fohl, Dana (Fohl) Martinez, his son-in-law, Matthew Martinez of Raleigh, NC, his beloved grandsons, Cody John Fohl (23) and Gabriel Thomas Martinez (12) and too many friends to name but included Dan Royer and Rick Perez. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Scott Fohl and Karen Grey along with his best friend in life, John Castaldo. Chip was a proud dairy farmer for nearly 35 years before he transitioned to sales for Hills Farm Supply. He was never without his Football Hall of Fame hat and shirt where he proudly served as a volunteer for nearly 40 years. In his younger days, he was part of the Stark County Sherriff’s auxiliary.
Complications from his years-long battle with cancer were just too much to overcome. He was 75 - and really wanted 10 more years to enjoy Sable Creek golf course, his customers, and of course, his family. If you didn’t know him, he graduated from Glenwood High School in 1963, married his girl in 1970 and had a couple little girls who grew up to have a couple little boys. He was a 3rd degree black belt (Judo), a National Champion, and invited to the Olympic trials. He hit a hole-in-one in 1985 and 2019. He played catch in the front yard and cheered from the stands. He sold robotic milking equipment in PA, NY, OH and considered his farmers part of the family. He never met a stranger but hated spam calls. He liked the Browns but loathed the snow. He worked up until the weeks before he died - as his father did before him. He lost his best friends over the years and his brother nearly 65 years ago - He’s thrilled to see them now.
If you knew him, you liked him. Or you were a jerk. Or didn’t have a sense of humor. Or he offended you and probably felt badly. No matter what, my guess is he considered you a friend. The family will host a celebration of his life this summer or when it proves safe to do so. In the meantime, for those who might have a drink this evening, he’d be honored if you had one for him. In lieu of flowers, please join us in donating to the American Cancer Society to help find a cure for this terrible disease.
Stier-Israel Funeral Home 330-875-1414
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